In the Whirlwind: God and Humanity in Conflict

Robert A. Burt

Published by Harvard University Press 2012

In the Whirlwind

God and Humanity in Conflict

Robert A. Burt

https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674064874

Overview
Contents

About this book

God deserves obedience simply because he’s God—or does he? Inspired by a passion for biblical as well as constitutional scholarship, in this bold exploration Yale Law Professor Robert A. Burt conceptualizes the political theory of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. God’s authority as expressed in these accounts is not a given. It is no less inherently problematic and in need of justification than the legitimacy of secular government.

In recounting the rich narratives of key biblical figures—from Adam and Eve to Noah, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Job, and Jesus—In the Whirlwind paints a surprising picture of the ambivalent, mutually dependent relationship between God and his peoples. Taking the Hebrew and Christian Bibles as a unified whole, Burt traces God’s relationship with humanity as it evolves from complete harmony at the outset to continual struggle. In almost every case, God insists on unconditional obedience, while humanity withholds submission and holds God accountable for his promises.

Contemporary political theory aims for perfect justice. The Bible, Burt shows, does not make this assumption. Justice in the biblical account is an imperfect process grounded in human—and divine—limitation. Burt suggests that we consider the lessons of this tension as we try to negotiate the power struggles within secular governments, and also the conflicts roiling our public and private lives.

Author / Editor information

Burt Robert A. :

Robert A. Burt is Alexander M. Bickel Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Topics

Frontmatter Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	i
Contents Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	vii
Preface Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	ix
Chapter One. In the Beginning Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Chapter Two. The Appearance of Authority Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	20
Chapter Three. God Gives, God Takes Away Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	38
Chapter Four. God’s Promises Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	60
Chapter Five. Loving Power Moses Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	93
Chapter Six. Love Offered, Love Commanded Moses and the Children of Israel Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	116
Chapter Seven. Grief and Grievance Moses and Job Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	141
Chapter Eight. As We Forgive Those Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	177
Chapter Nine. A Renewed Testament Mark, Matthew, and Luke Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	199
Chapter Ten. The Same Old Testament Paul and Jesus Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	231
Chapter Eleven. Eliminating Doubts and Doubters John Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	250
Chapter Twelve. The Insoluble Problem of Politics Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	274
Chapter Thirteen. Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	302
Chapter Fourteen. Reconciling with Injustice Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	325
Notes. Acknowledgments. Index
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	351
Acknowledgments Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	373
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	375

Language: English
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Audience: General/trade;
Pages
- Main content: 400

eBook

Published: May 16, 2012
ISBN: 9780674064874