Customer Reviews

The One and the Many : America's Struggle for the Common Good (The Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Lecture on American Civilization and Government)

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Below is a review of the One And The Many America's Struggle for the Common Good by Martin Marty. In the first section of the book, Marty presents the case of the "traumatization" of American society. Arguing that the manner in which different groups of people relate to each other destroys the concept of the one, Marty goes on to show how diverse group's need for identity is both necessary and destructive. The author asks several good questions during his initial discourse. How can groups remain respectful? How can they co-exist without shattering the illusion (my word) of unity that pervades our ethos as "One Nation Under God?" He continues to build a case from the thesis, "Trauma occurs as each group insists on its own identity and by promoting a mutually exclusive subculture at the expense of the common weal." Marty's pedagogical commitment is experienced as he attempts to define his use of certain language that he correctly assumes might not be common lingo for the reader. The book certainly provides thought provoking conversation and leads to continue study of the subject of America as a Nation State. Who are we? . . . (Property of the writer)

Prof. Marty's book is a profound synthesis of the essential problem of America: how to unite our diverging cultures and interests into something common to all. Marty gives respect to the varied 'stories' that he speaks of and encourages us all to listen more to each of them. While I agree that listening is a good start, do not expect more tangible answers from The One and the Many. Such is the nature of the problem and this book. Overall, an excellent effort by an established scholar.