Politics, Religion, and the Common Good - Hardcover

Ordained minister and esteemed author Martin E. Marty examines the sensitive role of religion in contemporary U.S. government and politics in this slender but brave book. Marty has never been afraid of controversy or dialog, and this book is guaranteed to spark both. "We offer the following theses to stimulate conversation, and we expect--and welcome--agreement and disagreement alike," writes Marty. He then launches into statements such as, "Public religion can be dangerous; it should be handled with care.... Traditional institutions--congregations, denominations, and ecumenical agencies--provide an effective public voice for religious people, but the political power of such groups has declined."

In his opening chapter Marty explains the perils of integrating religion into the fray of politics--such as the potential for fundamental extremism and religious violence. But in his second chapter, "Worth the Risk," he delves into a persuasive argument for blending church and state, with assertions such as "religion can combat apathy" and "religious people can provide a voice for the voiceless." In follow-up chapters Marty discusses ways that religion can meld with government and how it could actually improve the quality of civic representation. The writing style is smooth and journalistic in tone (Marty is also a senior editor at Christian Century), yet the material represents an expansive vision and shows an obvious depth.

"'Public religion' is not a top-down, worked-out, authoritative concept. It is the result of the very complex strivings and questionings of a couple of hundred million citizens. How it is realized in contemporary life depAnds on the quality of the questioning, the clarity of people's expression, and the seriousness of their resolve as individual citizens."—from Politics, Religion, and the Common Good Religion has always been part of American public debate. The values in which our culture is entrenched have been, since their inception, created and shaped directly from a religious moral sensibility. Unfortunately, too many of us cede our voices without realizing the implications of silence. It's the need for each individual's voice that lies at the heart of this groundbreaking investigation into religion's role in the political arena; Martin Marty, acclaimed scholar and frequent commentator on American religion, encourages each person to speak out —to engage in thoughtful, productive dialogue, and to take stands that are morally based. He skillfully interweaves decades of his own insights with conversations with both lay people and nationally recognized experts in various fields, creating a robust and complex look at the problems and, ultimately, the potential for religion's future in the public sphere. This landmark work is the first of a two-volume set that will explore the promise and challenge of public religion. These works are intAnded not as the last word on the subject; rather, the author hopes to initiate a national conversation-providing a guided tour of public religion in America, even-handedly exploring the role religion has played, is playing, and could play in our life together as a nation. BACK FLAP: [head] What is Religion's Proper Role in Our Shared Life? The future of America, in many ways, depends upon an understanding of the proper role of religion in our shared life as a republic. Discussions and debates on the topic have too