Religion as ‘Social Good’: Historical Backgrounds for Public Theology

Abstract This article explores the evolving perception of religion as a social good within public theology against the backdrop of modern secularism. Beginning with the historical shift towards hostility against religion, particularly from the Enlightenment and subsequent movements like Marxism and new atheism, the article traces how religion’s public role diminished. However, it argues that religion is re-emerging as a positive societal force, even as it is once again severely criticized for the ideological uses to which it has been subjected. Drawing on medieval theological concepts, particularly Thomas Aquinas’ view of religio as a virtue, the article posits that religion is integral to societal well-being and personal flourishing. It critiques Enlightenment-driven reductions of religion to mere ideology and asserts that modern empirical studies demonstrate the benefits of religion, including fostering altruism and social cohesion. By contributing to saving a non-romanticized and non-reductive perception of religion, this article also highlights its positive social role, an important element in thinking about public theology. It concludes that restoring religion’s public role, especially through a framework of virtue, can counter the secular narrative of its harmfulness and contribute meaningfully to social life.