What Does God Think About Brexit? A Theological Reflection

This book is a theological reflection about the process and event of Brexit: Britain’s departure from the European Union. Within a framework of liberation and postmodern theology, it examines Brexit against a history of the EU, with themes of community, identity, marriage, and divorce. It considers the emotional reactions which have been generated, and places Brexit in the context of contemporary populism and the politics of the United States. The book concludes with a call for reconciliation via new imaginaries of solidarity and inclusion.

1. Introduction: Personal Overview

                A note on theological reflection and sources

2. Thinking theologically: a framework for Brexit

                Why liberation theology works here

                Developments in liberation theology and why it may not be enough

3. Community and Identity

                An EU/UK timeline

                Catholic Social Teaching and the EU

                Community and Identity: Scripture and Tradition

How does the EU measure up?

Through the lens backwards

4. Marriage and Divorce

                A traditional marriage

                Remainers and Leavers: how a marriage got into difficulties

                Further insights into marriage and divorce

                Through the lens backwards

5. Anxiety and Uncertainty

                A therapeutic viewpoint

                Reflections of ourselves: other media

                A theological response

                Through the lens backwards

6. Nation and world

                The rise of populism: Us versus Them

                Brexit through the lens of race, place and migration

                A theological squeeze: between a rock and a hard place

                Through the lens backwards

7. Reconciliation, Healing and Forgiveness

                Cross, resurrection and scapegoats

Towards national reconciliation

Through the lens backwards

8. Conclusions: How Theology can Reframe the Imagination

Revd Dr. David Nixon is an Anglican priest who has worked in parishes, university chaplaincy, and theological education. He is currently Rector of St. Thomas Exeter, in the County of Devon, UK and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. His research interests have focused on marginalization and vulnerability, including a theology of homelessness. He has published numerous scholarly articles in theological and educational journals about sexualities, urban deprivation, and ministerial priesthood.