Law and Theology offers the definitive account of the relationship between law and theology in the Christian tradition. Drawing on diverse biblical texts and classic authors from the early church to contemporary voices from the modern period, David W. Opderbeck examines key legal questions and controversial case studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, breaking new ground for legal scholars and theologians alike. As a law professor, practicing attorney, and theologian, Opderbeck writes as an insider from both disciplines. This unique look brings fresh insight for both fields in a context where questions of theology and law are especially relevant--and increasingly urgent. Going beyond the culture wars, Opderbeck brings these real-world cases to life, examining the ins and outs of the most important legal questions facing American civic and religious life. Scholars and students of law and theology will find this book to be required reading in and outside the legal and theological classrooms.
David W. Opderbeck is a professor of law at Seton Hall University Law School, focusing on intellectual property, cybersecurity, constitutional law, and technology law and policy. He also holds a PhD in systematic and philosophical theology from the University of Nottingham. Prior to his academic career, he was a lawyer in private practice.
"This volume offers an authoritative and accessible tour of natural law and positive law from the garden of Eden to the latest machinations of the United States Supreme Court. David W. Opderbeck brings both theological discernment and legal acumen to bear on the weightier matters of the law, on the quotidian questions of legal practice, and on the current cultural battles over sexual liberty and religious liberty. Judicious, candid, briskly paced, and cogently argued, this book deserves a wide readership." --John Witte Jr., Emory University "I know of no other book like this. Opderbeck develops a constructive theology of law that draws upon his deep knowledge of theology and the theory and practice of law. He offers substantive reflection on God's being and attributes, superbly navigating the various controversies such reflection brings, for the purpose of constructing a theology of law that makes a significant contribution to moral and political theology. The breadth of knowledge is impressive. The masterful attempt to reconcile Christianity's nonviolent ethics with law is a joy to observe. But this is only the first part of this splendid work. The second applies his theology of law in the US context, showing its relevance to the pharmaceutical industry, the lingering effects of slavery and racism, and much more. Opderbeck has set the standard by which all other attempts to address law theologically will be judged." --D. Stephen Long, Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics, Southern Methodist University "David W. Opderbeck has given us a fascinating theology of law. His work is rooted in a sophisticated narrative approach to ancient scriptural texts and extends to the most pressing church-state issues of our time: controversies surrounding LGBTQ and abortion rights. Important for specialists, this book is also a fine choice for seminars on law and religion at both the graduate and undergraduate level." --Cathleen Kaveny, Darald and Juliet Libby Professor of Law and Theology, Boston College "At a time when Christians seem uncertain which way to turn in legal and political culture, when neither of the major US political parties is a comfortable home for most Christians, Opderbeck finds substantial wisdom in the biblical narrative and in Christian history. He neither sounds the call to reign or to retreat that are popular among many Christians today, but calls on Christians to provide a faithful biblical witness. Not every Christian will agree with all of his conclusions, but he identifies the important issues facing Christians today and provides thoughtful analysis from both Scripture and church history. Opderbeck's treatment of pre-Constantine Christian thinkers is fresh and may be of special help to Christians around the world who find themselves in a similar situation--facing marginalization, persecution, and even violence." --Robert F. Cochran, Jr., Senior Fellow, Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia, and Louis D. Brandeis Professor of Law, Pepperdine University School of Law "With crystal clear text and an engaging style, David W. Opderbeck presents the entire history of Christian theology and law in very accessible ways without omitting its nuance and complexity. He addresses numerous current issues and ventures well beyond the familiar culture-war debates to present fresh topics for consideration. The book respects the enormous variety of theology and practice among Christians while at the same time calling out real distortions in political thought and action." --Angela Carmella, Professor of Law, Seton Hall University School of Law
