Religion as a Public Good: Jews and Other Americans on Religion in the Public Square [Paperback]

Alan Mittleman (Editor), Michael Broyde (Contributor), Erwin Chemerinsky (Contributor), Marc Dollinger (Contributor), Elliot N. Dorff (Contributor), Mickey Edwards (Contributor), Jean Bethke Elshtain (Contributor), William A. Galston (Contributor), Michael Gottsegen (Contributor), Kevin J. Hasson (Contributor), Gertrude Himmelfarb (Contributor), David Novak (Contributor), Carl A. Raschke (Contributor), Jonathan Sacks (Contributor), Kenneth D.Wald (Contributor), Alan Wolfe (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0742531252 | ISBN-13: 978-0742531253 | Publication Date: December 9, 2003

Religion as a Public Good: Jews and Other Americans on Religion in the Public Square explores the often controversial topic of how religion ought to relate to American public life. The sixteen distinguished contributors, both Jewish and Christian, reflect on the topic out of their own disciplines--social ethics, political theory, philosophy, law, history, theology, and sociology. and take a stand based on their religious convictions and political beliefs. The volume is at once scholarly and committed, polemic and civil, reflective and activist. Written in the shadow of 9/11, it invites a new consideration of how religion enhances democratic public life with full awareness of the dangers that religion can sometimes pose. The volume is polemical, as befits the topic, but also civil, as befits a dialogue about an issue of profound significance for democratic citizenship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

These essays are a valuable contribution to a topic of significant importance to American Jews and to all who are interested in the distinctive American interplay of diverse religious traditions and civil life. Recommended. (Choice Magazine )

This remarkable volume presents a strikingly diverse range of views on church-state issues. It also contains much original survey information and other fresh empirical findings. Whatever one’s perspective on religion’s social and civic role, this balanced, lively, and timely volume will enrich and challenge it. (DiIulio, John )

Jews are the chosen people in what Lincoln called an almost chosen nation. This important book describes the intriguing ways in which many are rethinking what it means to be Jewish in a dominantly Christian society. The potential consequences should be welcomed by all Americans. (Rev. Richard John Neuhaus )

Alan Mittleman is to be commended for this collection of essays where some of the country's best thinkers debate the implications of Religion as a Public Good. This lively volume belongs in the library of all who are concerned about religious freedom. (Glendon, Mary Ann )

[The contributors] write seriously and well on the question of religion as a public good. (First Things )

[The contributors] write seriously and well on the question of religion as a public good..... (First Things )

This first-rate collection of freshly-commissioned essays that range across a wide spectrum of opinion addresses a vitally important and timely question: How should religious adherents, and specifically engaged Jews, draw upon their faith traditions as they participate in American public discourse? (Wertheimer, Jack )

About the Author

Alan Mittleman is professor of religion at Muhlenberg College. He served as director of the Jews and the American Public Square project and edited Jewish Polity and American Civil Society and Jews and the American Public Square.

Product Details

• Paperback: 346 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (December 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742531252
• ISBN-13: 978-0742531253
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,313,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)