The term "postliberal" refers to a new way of theological thinking that emerged in the late 20th century. Its pronunciation is /poʊstˈlɪbərəl/, with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced like "post" as in "post office." The "lib" in the second syllable sounds like "lib" in "liberty," and the final syllable is pronounced like "rul" in "ruler." While the spelling might suggest a hyphenation between the two parts, it is actually written as a single word, "postliberal."
Postliberal is an adjective that refers to a political or ideological perspective that arises as a critique or reaction against traditional liberal ideas and principles. It encompasses a diverse range of views that seek to move beyond the scope and limitations of conventional liberal thought.
Postliberalism is characterized by a rejection of the foundational beliefs of classical liberalism, such as individualism, limited government intervention, and the primacy of personal freedom. Proponents of postliberalism argue that these principles fail to adequately address the complexities of modern society and do not sufficiently prioritize the common good over individual interests.
Postliberals emphasize the importance of community, social cohesion, and collective responsibility in shaping public policies. They often advocate for an expanded role of the state and the implementation of policies that aim to promote economic equality and social justice. Postliberalism may also encompass a more communitarian understanding of societal values, placing a greater emphasis on tradition, moral order, and cultural cohesion.
While postliberalism shares some similarities with other political ideologies such as communitarianism and social democracy, it is fundamentally distinguished by its departure from the core tenets of classical liberalism. As a relatively recent development in political thought, postliberalism continues to evolve and manifest itself in various forms, reflecting diverse interpretations and applications depending on the specific context and circumstances.
The word "postliberal" is derived from the combination of two words: "post" and "liberal".
The prefix "post", derived from the Latin "post", means "after" or "beyond". It is commonly used to suggest the idea of a subsequent phase or development.
The term "liberal" comes from the Latin word "liberalis", which means "pertaining to a free person". In its original sense, "liberal" referred to someone who was generous, open-minded, and broad in their thinking.
The prefix "post" combined with "liberal" implies a movement or transition that occurs after, or goes beyond, the ideas and principles of classical liberalism. "Postliberal" suggests the development of a new perspective or approach that seeks to move beyond traditional liberal ideologies.
In the context of theology and religion, "postliberal" is used to describe a particular movement within Protestant Christianity.