The Common Good and Christian Ethics

by David Hollenbach

Overview

This study rethinks the ancient tradition of the common good to addressing contemporary urban and global social divisions. David Hollenbach draws on social analysis, moral philosophy, and theological ethics to chart new directions in urban life and global society. He argues that the division between the middle class and the poor in major cities and the challenges of globalization require a new commitment to the common good. Accordingly, believers and non-believers must move towards new forms of solidarity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521802055
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/01/2002
Series:	New Studies in Christian Ethics , #22
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.83(d)
Lexile:	1480L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

General editor's preface; Preface; Note on websites; Part I. Situations: 1. The eclipse of the public; 2. Problems tolerance cannot handle; Part II. Frameworks: 3. Recovering the commonweal; 4. Religion in public; 5. Christianity in a community of freedom; 6. Intellectual solidarity; Part III. Directions: 7. Poverty, justice, and the good of the city; 8. The global common good; Bibliography; Electronic resources; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"David Hollenbach, S.J., charts new directions for envisioning and enacting the common good. Steeped in the debates of the past few decades and conversant with political theory, development economics, and the sociology of race, poverty, and civil society, this wide-ranging and illuminating book extends his articulation of the common good as a distinctively Catholic contribution still vital to public policy and discourse." The Journal of Religion

"The author argues clearly, concisely and persuasively that 'the idea of the common good is an idea whose time has once again come'." Catholic Books Review

"The Common Good and Christian Ethics is not only the best work in American Catholic public philosophy in over 40 years, it is likely to remain the best for many years to come." America

"...an important addition to the 'New Studies in Christian Ethics' series...highly relevant...The Common Good and Christian Ethics combines theoretical clarity and practical substance to open new possibilities for religion in shaping public life." Theology Today

From the Publisher

Exploring social and class divisions in American society and globally, Hollenbach (Catholic theology, Boston College) argues that tolerance is inadequate as a theological approach for solving modern problems. He suggests that the Catholic Church has an important role to play in promoting the social good. Engaging with past political philosophers and current religious thinkers from a variety of faiths, he argues for an engaged Catholicism that, together with other engaged religions, addresses issues of poverty and the degradation of the environment. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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