O’Donovan, Oliver

Oliver O’Donovan on the unintended consequences of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Moral philosopher Oliver O’Donovan makes an argument for the consistency of the idea of law when it is conceived in a theological context. (40 minutes)

W. Bradford Littlejohn summarizes the definitions of liberty offered by Richard Bauckham and Oliver O’Donovan

In this 2022 lecture, Oliver O’Donovan explains the historical background — and present consequences — of the assertion by Jesus of two great commands. (67 minutes)

FROM THE GUEST PAGE: Oliver O’Donovan held teaching posts at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Wycliffe College Toronto before becoming Regius Professor of Moral & Pastoral Theology and Canon of Christ Church at the University of Oxford in 1982.

Historian Francis Oakley describes how the modern idea of “secular” politics is a striking departure in human history. (32 minutes)

Oliver O'Donovan on the convicting role of a good conscience

Oliver O'Donovan rejects a gnostic reading of redemption

In a 2006 lecture, Oliver O’Donovan argues that the conventional way of describing Western civil society creates obstacles to the participation of believers (Muslim, Christian, and other). (68 minutes)

Philip Turner on understanding the state in light of the eschatological reality of the Church

Oliver O’Donovan on the necessity of situating all political authority within redemptive history

Oliver O’Donovan on the sovereignty of love

In conversation with moral philosopher Oliver O’Donovan, and with readings from his book, Entering into Rest, Ken Myers explores a central theme in O’Donovan’s work: that we are created to enjoy loving relationships in community. (27 minutes)

Oliver O’Donovan reflects on how the reality of the Kingship of Christ must be affirmed as a present reality

Revisiting a 1974 text that examined the mutual animosities of the 1960s

Oliver O’Donovan and his mentor, George B. Caird, offer lessons from the book of Revelation for thinking about politics

Brad Littlejohn talks about the necessity of a more expansive understanding of freedom, one which recognizes that we are really only free within the social experience of shared meaning and mutual recognition. (17 minutes)

From 1999 Journal interviews, Neal Gabler and C. John Summerville discuss how the mentalities conveyed by our experience with communications media work against the nurturing of community. Ken Myers also reads related excerpts from George Steiner and Oliver O'Donovan. (33 minutes)

In a 90-minute conversation with Matthew Lee Anderson and Ken Myers, Oliver O’Donovan explains some of the central themes of his work in political theology. (91 minutes)

In a telephone conversation during COVID-19 lockdowns, Oliver O’Donovan talks about lessons we can learn about the proper role of government from our experience of pandemics and quarantine. (51 minutes)