Jonathan T. Pennington on Politeia

Jonathan T. Pennington writes,

“Politics” doesn’t have to be a negative word. Our word “politics” has its origins in something much more positive and constructive: the Greek philosophical reflection on how the Good should be worked out in society, in relationships between individuals, and in how to build a society that will inculcate flourishing and the Good Life for its citizens (Greek, politeia)....Hebrew tradition has summarized all of torah with two comprehensive required loves--love for God and love for neighbor (Deut. 6:4-5; Lev. 19:17-18). Forming a loving politeia is essential to life.

Jesus the Great Philosopher: Recovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press. 2020, p. 48-49.