THE POLITICAL THEOLOGY OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS: RELIGIOUS NARRATIVES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON GOVERNANCE, JUSTICE, AND CIVIC ACTIVISM

This research studies the way political theology alters social movement outcomes and the process through which it induces social transformation. It provides us the lens to study the inner relationships between religious narratives and politics. Using methods of data collection interviews and surveys from religious leaders, activists and community members, along with the secondary data from different scholarly literatures, policy and other important documents. In the study, it seems that religious structures help people justify legitimacy, create identity and mobilise a large group of people in civic and political processes. The main findings revealed that liberation theology, liberal theology and providential religious beliefs influence ethical leadership, communalization and policy involvement. Faith-based institutions also operate as linkage agents between the state and society by promoting civic consciousness and social equity initiatives. Final conclusion of this study reveals that political theology has an important role as regulator and mobilizer in governance and justice. Recommendations affirm the importance of including religious actors in decision-making, fostering inter-religious relations for just causes, and improving the capacity of faith-based organizations for civic education and advocacy. The research contributes to knowledge by clarifying the relationship between theology and politics and situations and through practical examples, providing lessons for policy makers and religious and civil actors to foster social responsiveness. This study shows that stories from religions can help in taking ethical leaders, participatory democracy, and structures in inequality.