What is Political Theology?: Reflections from the Book Launch

23 June 2026
Matthew Vogel
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In May, the McDonald Centre hosted a book launch for What is Political Theology? (Columbia University Press, 2026), co-authored by McDonald Centre Director Luke Bretherton, Vincent W. Lloyd of Villanova University, and Valentina Napolitano of the University of Toronto. These three authors, each writing from a different perspective – Bretherton from Christian theology, Lloyd from the intersection of religious studies and critical theory, and Napolitano from sociocultural anthropology – have together produced an innovative book with a fresh perspective on political theology.

Professors Bretherton and Lloyd joined us for the event. Professor Napolitano was with us earlier in the term but sadly unable to attend this occasion. Following an introduction from Luke Bretherton, Vincent Lloyd presented a fascinating paper discussing racial justice, grace, resistance, and performance, illustrating some of the theoretical and methodological points he and the other authors make in the book. Dr Jaimee van Gemerden, a Research Associate at Oxford’s Regent’s Park College, coming from the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and working on issues relating to feminist and postcolonial theology, gave a thoughtful invited response to Lloyd’s contributions to the book. Professors Bretherton and Lloyd then fielded questions about the book and their respective approaches to political theology from the packed room at Christ Church.

We look forward to more invigorating and challenging discussions engaging with how political theology is developing in different disciplines, with different foci and perspectives, and in different places around the world. Do join our mailing list, follow us on social media, and keep an eye out for further events and projects relating to Trajectories in Political Theology.

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