Christian Theology and the Ethics of Nationalism: Towards a Practical Political Theology

Doug Gay is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow and a Church of Scotland minister.

Mediating the rich tradition of Scottish moral and practical theology, Gay addresses the question of how we should love our nation and value our national identity. The context for asking this question is this our "kairos" moment in the centuries long struggle between Scotland and England that has profoundly shaped the political order and imagination of both these nations. Out of this context Gay offers us a timely, provocative and pastoral challenge to reimagine a category that still shapes so much political life and thought throughout the world. -- Luke Bretherton

Doug Gay has produced a forceful theological defence of nationalism set within the context of contemporary Scottish culture and politics. He has delivered a bold and stimulating theological argument for independence which no one will find dull. The most substantial theological contribution to the subject for many years, this book deserves to be widely read and debated. The author hopes that his work may still prove relevant following the outcome of the 2014 referendum ? I have no doubt of that. -- David Fergusson

In Honey from the Lion the wealth of theology is brought into Scotland's independence debate. Doug Gay plunders the riches of the biblical and ecumenical tradition to show why Scottish nationalism can be a sweet vision for the common good, if seasoned with Reformed salt. Taste and savour. I did. -- William Storrar

I found this a fascinating read – very accessible to myself as a non-theologian. Doug Gay goes below the slogans surrounding nationalism and shows that it is totally reasonable to have both a strong commitment to the Christian faith and a strong commitment to Scottish nationalism. -- John Mason