What might it mean us to be formed as disciples not only by the church but also by the world? In Political Formation: Being Formed by the Spirit in Church and World, Jenny Leith argues that ethical and political formation of Christians takes place through the work of the Spirit both in the church and in civic life, and the church, too, has something to learn from wider political practices and movements. This account of formation places centre stage a reckoning with the forms of exclusion and marginalisation that mar the church, and yields an understanding of the church as not only ethically formative but also in constant need of being formed itself.

Offering a fresh vision for ecclesiology, which grapples with the ethical failings of the church and takes seriously the need for the church to keep on recognising and repenting of its sins, the book offers a major new contribution to discussions around Christian formation and the relationship between discipleship and ethics.

About the Author
Dr Jenny Leith is a political theologian, with a particular interest in Christian formation. Her research interests bring together negative theology, spirituality, political theory, and ecclesiology - interests which grew out of several years spent working as a parliamentary researcher and in social policy.

Reviews

"This brilliant book develops a perceptive vision of Christian life, grounded in real experience. Rather than defending the church from all criticism, Leith is bold enough to acknowledge that Christians can learn from the civic life of democratic societies. By refusing false certainties, Political Formation demonstrates the expansive potential of political theology, inspired by the possibility of surprise. It's the best work of theology I've read for some time."

-- David Newheiser



Book Information
ISBN 9780334063032
Author Jenny Leith
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press