the politics of love

Abstract: Beginning with the examples of Jeremy Corbyn’s and Bishop Michael Curry’s appeal to love, the article exposes love as an alternative power to sovereignty. Taking three seminal insights from African American Professor Bell Hooks on the importance of love’s definition, love as a force and the rootedness of love in childhood experience, the article examines the etymology of the word love, and the political implications of recent sociological research. Then taking note of alternative voices, contemporary advocates of the politics of love are considered and focus brought to the critical issue of breaking free from the normative default to sovereign power. Resources for societal restoration and wellbeing are presented with particular reference to the Christian myths of incarnation and trinity and their practical application in the postsecular world. Finally tools for healing and restoration at both the individual and corporate level are considered, and their impact within contemporary initiatives. 
Keywords: love; politics; power; sovereignty; wellbeing.

This paper is in four parts. Each part sets out various theological implications and then considers their potential impact for action now, in and beyond the Coronavirus pandemic. Beginning with a focus on God through the lens of “the kid in the crib” childhood is positioned at the heart of divine manifestation. Inferences of this for our understanding of the divine nature are set out. From the very start, this has huge implications for the importance of every child, which the section then proceeds to develop. The second part explores Jesus’ repeated alignment of children and the kingdom of God, suggesting that the kingdom is the particular possession of children.  Adverse childhood experiences consequent on our failure to nurture children with this in view are spelt out. Thirdly, Keith White’s extensive exploration of the nature and possible meanings of the relationship between children and the kingdom of God in his book, The Growth of Love  are considered in some detail. Finally, the role of children in the future of planet earth and the politics of Jesus is considered through a Pentecostal/ Charismatic theological lens.