Christian realism has been conceptualized in several ways. Apart from Robin W. Lovin’s comprehensive assessment about the “combination of different ‘realism’ – political, moral and theological,” Roger Shinn clarifies the term by interpreting the words “Christian” and “realist” separately first and then connects them. But is it indeed possible to reconcile Christianity and realism? If yes, is it a harmonious relationship, or hidden tensions are present? And what is realism in this sense? A political realism? Which political realism?

This conference explores both theoretical inquiries into the relationship between Christianity, realism, and Christian realism, as well as historical analyses. It will examine Christian realism as a policy perspective, particularly in the context of foreign affairs, and discuss its contemporary significance.

For the detailed program of the conference please click here.

Keynote speakers:

• Robin Lovin (Southern Methodist University): Human Nature and the Irony of History
• Lord Biggar (University of Oxford): The Christian Marriage of Morality and Reality: Just War Thinking

Date: 28-29 May 2025

Venue: Mathias Corvinus Collegium / Ludovika University

Christian Realism: Squaring the Circle?

Conference program

14.00   Welcome speech

14.15   Keynote speech

Robin Lovin (Southern Methodist University): Human Nature and the Irony of History

15.30   Coffee break

15.45   Tracing the Roots: The Evolution and Essence of Christian Realism I.

Mark Edwards (Spring Arbor University): Christian Realism or Christian Realisms? Contesting a Concept

Eric D. Patterson (Regent University): Christianity and Power Politics: Change and Continuity in Three Generations of Christian Realism

16.45   Coffee Break

17.00   Tracing the Roots: The Evolution and Essence of Christian Realism II.

Matt Andersen (University of Oxford): Christian Realism: The Need for a Genealogical Approach

Ferenc Hörcher (Ludovika UPS): Traditions of Catholic Political Realism

18.00   Closing

9.30     Keynote speech

Lord Biggar (University of Oxford): The Christian Marriage of Morality and Reality: Just War Thinking

10.45   Coffee break

11.00   The Niebuhr Perspective on Christian Realism

Dallas Gingles (Southern Methodist University): Christian Realism and the Irony of American Postliberalism

Darabos Ádám (Ludovika UPS): The Making of a Realist Augustine: Niebuhr's Interpretation of Augustine

12.00   Lunch

13.00   Christian Realism Across Eras: the Amsterdam School and the Cold War

Robert Joustra (Redeemer University): Middle Power Christian Realism: The Curious Case of Abraham Kuyper and the Amsterdam School

Andrew Finstuen (Boise State University): Christian Realism and Neo-Evangelicalism in the Cold War Era

14.00   Coffee break

14.15   Divine Diplomacy: Exploring Christian Realism in Global Affairs

Joseph Capizzi (Catholic University of America): Christian Realism and International Law

Joshua Mauldin (Center of Theological Inquiry): America’s Role on the World Stage: Insights from Christian Realism

15.15   Coffee break

15.30   Tradition and Belief: Conservative Realism and Political Religions

Gergely Szilvay (PPCU): Conservative Christianity: Between Political Idealism and Realism

Tamás Nyirkos (Ludovika UPS): The Realist Critique of Political Religions

16.30 Closing

The conference has been organized by the MCC Center for Constitutional Politics and Research Institute for Politics and Government of the Ludovika University of Public Service, and is supported by the Danube Institute.

Organizing committee: 

• Ferenc Hörcher (Ludovika University)
• Ádám Darabos (Ludovika University)
• Kálmán Pócza (MCC Center for Constitutional Politics) 

For the detailed program of the conference please click here.