Overview

Democracy and republican values depend ultimately on values derived on religion. Seven major value systems compete to set the direction of American society. This volume suggests that only the last of these, transcendent idealism, rising mainly from the Judeo-Christian moral tradition, provides a secure basis for democracy. The book proposes practical steps for a constitutionally valid relationship between religion and government and aims to show how a moral basis guiding public policy could help deal effectively with critical social problems.

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9780742509153

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Reviews

In this book A. James Reichley makes a powerful case that religious faith is essential to the forming and nurturing of the moral values on which a free society ultimately depends. He is at once wise, thorough, and fair. He systematically and comprehensively surveys crucial, competing values systems as they developed and functioned throughout human history. He does so in a cogent manner, and his conclusions are thoroughly supported. This book will have a major impact on the current discussion of moral values and constitutional democracy. -- Steve Monsma, Pepperdine University Jim Reichley's portrayal of competing value systems now seeking to give direction to American public life could hardly be more timely. Drawing on a rich tapestry of history, religion, philosophy, and culture, he persuasively argues that the health of democracy depends ultimately on an essential base of shared moral values, and finds means for moral renewal in America's constitutional tradition. -- Daniel Patrick Moynihan, former U.S. Senator Since the age of Pericles, political thinkers have been asking what set of values can best sustain a free society, protecting the rights of individuals while also advancing social justice. Bringing a master's eye, A. James Reichley carefully sorts out the answers and how they have worked out in practice over two dozen centuries. This is a bracing, panoramic account from one of America's best observers and deserves attention from the classroom to Capitol Hill. No one should miss his conclusion. -- David Gergen, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University Mr. Reichley, for years an intellectual fixture at the Brookings Institution, was among the first in non-conservative circles to note religion's central role in American politics. Now, in this short but sweeping overview, he describes the religion-society nexus as 'imperative' to good citizenship... Like mini-courses in world history, each chapter covers a values system ... ranging across Greek Stoics, India's sacred scriptures, 1960s guru Herbert Marcuse, and today's 'communtarian' movement. Washington Times [Reichley's] analysis is wide-ranging, thorough, and engaging, and the work is a pleasant and important contribution. CHOICE Reichley's book is a rich repast for theologians, historians, philosophers, and political theorists. He is at ease with complex argument that crosses many boundaries and disciplines. His voice is clear, humane, and wise and, thus, sorely needed amidst the cacophony of our hurried era. -- Jean Bethke Elshtain, University of Chicago School of Divinity Reichley has traced a novel path to perceptive and timely conclusions about the role of religion in contemporary public life. Theological Studies

Jim Reichley's portrayal of competing value systems now seeking to give direction to American public life could hardly be more timely. Drawing on a rich tapestry of history, religion, philosophy, and culture, he persuasively argues that the health of democracy depends ultimately on an essential base of shared moral values, and finds means for moral renewal in America's constitutional tradition.--Daniel Patrick Moynihan, former U.S. Senator

Author Information

A. James Reichley is senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute at Georgetown University.

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