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The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations [Paperback]

Jonathan Sacks
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

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Book Description

March 24, 2003
The year 2001 began as the United Nations Year of Dialogue between Civilizations. By its end, the phrase that came most readily to mind was 'the clash of civilizations.' The tragedy of September 11 intensified the danger caused by religious differences around the world. As the politics of identity begin to replace the politics of ideology, can religion become a force for peace?

The Dignity of Difference is Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's radical proposal for reconciling hatreds. The first major statement by a Jewish leader on the ethics of globalization, it also marks a paradigm shift in the approach to religious coexistence. Sacks argues that we must do more than search for values common to all faiths; we must also reframe the way we see our differences.

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The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations + To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility + The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A brave plea for universal values.”—David Goldberg, The Guardian
“The Dignity of Difference stands far above the many other books about globalisation, both for what is has to say and for the grace with which it says it. In this most prophetic work, Rabbi Sacks has written a guide for the perplexed of our time.”
—Daniel Johnson, Daily Telegraph
“The Dignity of Difference is a profound book that forces believers to think.”
—Ziauddin Sardar, The Independent
“It is a splendid book. In the light of September 11, it is timely, sensible, well-written and thoughtful.”—Dan Cohn-Sherbok, The London Times

“Aims to define nothing less than a basis for religiously sensitive civilisation.”
—Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, The Jewish Chronicle

"Americans will be taken with his incisive and clear writing style...he provides some much-needed spiritual uplift in this post-9/11 world, and his work is accessible to informed lay readers." —Library Journal

"This book is far more interesting for its discussion of faith and philosophy than for its determination of concrete politics. Perhaps this is the task of rabbis, to explain and guide rather than to rule and legislate. Jonathan Sacks writes well; every sentence counts, but the space behind the grandiloquence always leaves room for interpretation. It is this ambiguity which wins him as may admirers as detractors."
—The Jerusalem Post, 6/9/02.


'The Dignity of Difference has a central and compelling vision: the magnificence and inspiring human diversity of our world … The Chief Rabbi has made a convincing case for respecting people of different faiths and creeds.' —Jewish Chronicle

'The book "has a bold and important thesis" said Lord Habgood, especially in how it addresses relations between different faiths' —Church Times

"It is odd that a leading orthodox Rabbi should be at the forefront of a campaign to use religious difference as the catalyst for world peace ... in a brave polemic which is bolstered by feverish intelligence." -The Herald (Glasgow) (The Herald (Glasgow) )

"Once in a rare while a book comes along that is so powerful and so earth-shattering that we want to get atop the highest mountain and shout out its praises...WE MUST ALL READ THIS BOOK....the most profound and deeply moving argument in favor of religious humanism I can think of."—David Shasha, Center for Sephardic Heritage

"Sacks does not offer much help in determining how religious people are to grapple with such theological questions. His brilliant service is in showing us that we must."—Paul F. Knitter, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, July 2003

"It is a profoud meditation on human diversity and religious differences....It is a timely book for both believers and non-believers alike that has a profound sense of history running through it."—Limited Edition, April 2003

"The Dignity of Difference is an important contribution to our understanding of the impact of globalization on the world in the aftermath of September 11…the book should be required reading for those concerned with the present struggle between Islam and the West and the promises, but also the potential threat, that market globalization represent." — Jewish Book World, Spring 2005 (American Jewish Archives Journal )

"wonderful book...bold and controversial" -Commonweal
(Commonweal, January 2007 Commonweal )

Mentioned in The Observer
(Oliver Marre Observer )

"Unlike most other religious leaders, Mr Sacks has a wonderfully unbigoted attitude; he thinks and writes with great eloquence supported by an amazingly broad range of sources and reading." - Journey


"It is odd that a leading orthodox Rabbi should be at the forefront of a campaign to use religious difference as the catalyst for world peace … in a brave polemic which is bolstered by feverish intelligence." -The Herald (Glasgow) (, )

"wonderful book...bold and controversial" -Commonweal
(, Commonweal )

Mentioned in The Observer
(, Observer )

About the Author

Sir Jonathan Sacks is Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Britain and the Commonwealth. He is the author of numerous books, including Celebrating Life, From Optimism to Hope, The Persistence of Faith and The Dignity of Difference, for which he won a Grawemeyer Award in Religion.


Product Details

  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Continuum; 2 edition (March 24, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0826468500
  • ISBN-13: 978-0826468505
  • Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 1 x 7.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
(11)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lesson for the Extremists October 25, 2004
I am an American who teaches overseas, and I think that this book clearly illustrates the problem facing our various countries today: as the author states, we "narrowcast," meaning that we seek out those who are like us, communicate with those individuals, and then pronounce ourselves correct without ever truly seeking a diverse opinion.

The political faultlines we walk today are a perfect example of what happens when we stop talking to each other and only desire positive feedback. This book, however, is not for any standard reader: it appeals, I believe, more to moderates than someone of a strident ideological background. If you blindly follow an extremist path in a political party or religion, I think this book could radically change your mind about said path, but you need to approach the book with as open a mind as possible.

I write this only a few days before the next U.S. presidential election, which has been the ugliest since I came of voting age in '92. I wish both candidates and their quislings would read this fine book.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A valiant try November 23, 2004
Rabbi Sachs is an intelligent and astute political thinker. His moral values his concern for the dignity of every human being his desire for peace in the world are felt strongly in the text.His overall prescription and hope is that the major civilizations of the world can through tolerant recognition and acceptance of each other bring great benefit to mankind as a whole. As an ideal prescription and formulation ' The Dignity of Differences' makes great sense.

But as a realistic assessment of where Mankind is and what precisely is going on within these Civilizations there is something lacking here. Any consideration of the present world situation which aims at providing some new and better direction has to look realistically at the character and goals of the major civilizations. The value of recognizing and tolerating others which Rabbi Sachs so rightly promotes is at this historical moment not the note which Islamic Civilization is ready to hear. In Huntington's Clash of Civilizations he spoke about an arc of confrontation in the world in which Muslim countries in thirty some odd places are engaged in aggressive violent behavior against neighbors. Islamic fundamentalist terrorism denies the fundamental premise of all that Rabbi Sachs is trying to teach. There is an assymetry between the Civilization which has to be recognized if there is going to be real progress toward a better world. Rabbi Sachs has made a valiant and admirable try here in offering a better way for the world. Unfortunately this does not address the ' threats' of the moment , threats of terror and violence, also by states which can bring disaster to Mankind. Let us hope and pray that Mankind will get in some years time into the position where all civilizations will recognize and tolerate the legitimate place of others.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Bold admirable attempt worth reading March 18, 2007
Making world harmony a reality is a tall order and alliterated principles: control, contribution, compassion, creativity, co-operation, conservation, and conciliation are perhaps a bit `forced". But the deep and sincere thinking is much better than this might suggest. The title is more to the point; accepting the "dignity of difference" is entirely possible but for politicized extremists of every stripe (Faith) who ignore not only common principles but exclude any room at all for legitimate differences thereby proclaiming only they know divine will (the sin of `shirk' in Islam) and therefore there is no room for negotiation or compromise. This exclusivity is not unique to any faith or civilization except in the most delusional and arrogant self perception.

Perhaps empathy (compassion), a real sense of justice, and the space for what is essential to each faith are most important. The spirituality and morality of men of all faiths usually can provide toleration and conciliation - it is the politicians, ethnics, opportunists - and usually less spiritual individuals - who stop such developments.

This is a wonderful, even inspirational, book for people of good faith. But reactions, most of all from within the Rabbi's own faith so far, show the difficulty. Maybe psychology (as studied by books like "Blind Trust") needs to be integrated for a more actionable effective plan.

Now, a comment on limitations is required. Sacks remains idealistic and sometimes a bit superficial. He has not even reasonable agreement within his own community. There is little indicating real understanding of Islam in particular (perhaps this is much to ask in a short book). The discussion of education is lively but inadequate regarding quality versus quantity and the difficulty of opening minds. (The largely uncritical reading of "Clash" is itself an indication of limits of education.) It begs questions about why the oldest of the three faiths remains by far that with fewest adherents, and why a persecuted people now persecute others. The moral case for a market economy perhaps avoids too many of the negatives and how democracy evolves towards oligarchy without economic democracy. The critique of elements of globalism identifies but does not explain the role of that same capitalist "Washington Consensus". Greed and materialism more than empathy and generosity are characteristic of the present market economy. In general analysis is better than resolution of problems. Good will is not alone enough.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Important Perspective
Sacks message is crucial for our time. In is incumbant on persons of all faiths to see the other as also made in the image of God and worthy of respect.
Published 1 month ago by Michael D. Allen
4.0 out of 5 stars Inerfaith resource
Good for Interfaith discussions- very thought provoking and expansive. Our local interfaith group is using it currenty and growing with it.
Published 1 month ago by Glenda G. Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations
So far I love to way this book has opened my eyes & heart to the difference in people, faiths and all that we live with and in. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Marcy
3.0 out of 5 stars love your neighbor
Another good book about loving your neighbor and the question is: if your neighbor thinks you are not worthy or are of a spiritual believe that does not correspond to their belief... Read more
Published 7 months ago by artistone
5.0 out of 5 stars The Dignity of Difference
Having heard Rabbi Sacks on "Speaking of Faith", I was anxious to read the book. I was not disappointed. Read more
Published on January 12, 2011 by Voracious Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I read last year
"The Dignity of Difference" should be read by all four of the folks running for President..if they followed its dictates the world would be a safer place. Read more
Published on August 29, 2008 by Peter F. Spalding
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
This book is one of my favorites and is always a pleasure reading. Jonathan Sacks joins great thinkers of the past and present with a construcive discussion into one of modern... Read more
Published on June 15, 2008 by R. Shneor
5.0 out of 5 stars The Dignity of Difference
Outstanding. Clearly delivered message about the present problems with religion and some quite serious suggestions for dealing with the present "clash of civilizations.
Published on June 14, 2008 by RuthIE
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