Christianity and Civil Society responds to the crisis of American democracy as perceived by such diverse thinkers as Christopher Lasch; Michael Sandel; Mary Ann Glendon; and Robert Putnam. Despite their philosophical differences; these thinkers highlight a common theme: a decline in the institutions of civil society once held to be the vital center of the American polity. In place of these institutions―such as the family; neighborhood; church; and civic associations―one finds a disturbingly reduced socio-political stage; dominated by an abstract triumvirate of the individual; state; and market as prime actors. Whether taking their inspiration from the political theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and papal encyclicals or from John Calvin and his heirs in the Reformed traditions; the authors assembled here find the doctrinal resources of Christianity indispensable to defending the irreducible identity and value of the social institutions that serve as the connective tissue of a political community. By drawing upon a treasury of social thought little known to most Americans; Christianity and Civil Society offers a fresh vantage point from which to assess the crisis of our polity as well as the best prospects for its renewal.
#3357676 in Books 2008-07-07 2008-07-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .31 x 6.50l; .69 #File Name: 0738557099128 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Haledon HistoryBy William H. MetzgerA great historical book for those from the area.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The silk industry and the workers who made it possible.By Thomas W. DannGives an insight into the silk industry and the workers who made this industry possible. My great grandfather was part of the industry in Patterson in the late 1800's. T. Dann
