The Political Theology of the West

This chapter examines the dualistic modes of thought that are at the heart of the political theology of the West. Christian realism, which attributes war to the evil of human nature, is at the heart of this political theology. It encourages the demonization of the enemy and the attendant augmentation of threats. In contrast, the trend toward a post-Christian realism, known as structural realism, undermines the dualistic modes of thought, but does not go far enough. I fear that it could make war with China unavoidable. I argue against those who believe that the rivalry between China and the United States is akin to that between Athens and Sparta. I conclude that America is not heir to the glory of Athens or the flower of Western civilization.