Human Rights and the Image of God

'It offers a distinctive contribution that as far as I know is breaking new ground'I think this would be an excellent resource for undergraduate courses and for postgraduate studies. I would definitely recommend it.' - Tina Beattie, University of Surrey. This critical analysis of the relationship between Christian theology and human rights is written in a lucid and accessible style, and is an excellent resource for students and academics interested in theology, human rights and the historical background to contemporary ethical debates. The author's deep understanding of the development of the idea of human rights in western society and politics, as well as the conflicts and debates associated with an idea of human rights, is clear from the outset. As well as providing a geneology of the concept of rights, Ruston surveys the ways in which this development has been closely related to the development of a just war theory, as well as making a valuable contribution to postcolonial studies by focusing on the colonisation of South America. Finally the book is not only concerned to create an historical account of the development of the idea of human rights, but also is largely concerned to show the relevance of historical debates to recent ethical questions. An excellent textbook for students of Religion and Ethics, or Human Rights and Theology.

Contents:
Preface
1. Liberal Ideas: Catholic Critics
2. An Awkward Embrace: The Church and Human Rights
3. Aquinas and Fair Trade Coffee Salamanca: Francisco de Vitoria
4. Rights of War
5. Encountering the Stranger
6. Vitoria's Liberties Mexico and Peru: Bartolome de Las Casas
7. Freedom and the Gospel
8. Defender and the Indians
9. Dominion, Consent and Self-Determination
10. Las Casas' Last Testimony England and Carolina: John Locke
11. Sovereign Individuals
12. God's Gift in Common
13. This Great and Natural Community
14. Property and Labour
15. The Vacant Places of America
16. Conclusions Appendix: Chronology 1492-1704
Biblioigraphy

About the Author: Roger Ruston is a freelance theologian who has worked closely on the Dominican Justice and Peace Commission, and for the Christendom Trust.