Liberalism, Anti-Liberalism, and the Christian Limits of Politics

Trent Bunker, Tufts ‘25

Christendom is as unified theologically as it is politically—that is to say, almost not at all. Questions of Christian nationalism, globalism, and ordo amoris seem more pressing than ever. However, this lecture will argue that Christians are trapped in a vicious cycle of essentializing politics. Contra Carl Schmitt, who attempted to revivify politics at the hands of an enervating, universalist liberalism, this lecture will heed Saint Augustine's counsel in recognizing the limitations of politics. The fallenness of the civitas terrena necessitates a comparatively humble—though not completely banal and ignoble—form of politics, distinct from both Schmittian and secular liberal conceptions.

5:00 pm
Tuesday, April 22
Sever Hall 214
hARVARD uNIVERSITY

Trent Bunker

Trent Bunker studies Political Science and History at Tufts University. His research focuses on the pluralist liberal tradition, and particularly the Catholic Church's role within it. In his free time, you can find him editing for the Tufts Tribune, learning languages, or weightlifting.