Love and Power: The Role of Religion and Morality in American Politics

by Michael J. Perry

Overview

In this sequel to his Morality, Politics, and Law, Michael Perry addresses the proper relation of moral convictions to the politics of a morally pluralistic society. While his analysis focuses on religious morality, Perry's argument applies to morality generally. Contending that no justification of a contested political choice can be neutral among competing conceptions of human good, the author develops an ideal of "ecumenical politics" in which moral convictions about human good can be brought to bear in a productive way in political argument.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198023302
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/17/1991
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Lexile:	1600L (what's this?)
File size:	329 KB

About the Author

Wake Forest University School of Law

Table of Contents

	Introduction	3
1.	Neutral Politics	8
2.	Politics and the Question of the "Truly, Fully" Human	29
3.	Ecumenical Politics	43
4.	Rationality, Truth, and Critique	52
5.	Religion and Morality	66
6.	Ecumenical Political Dialogue	83
7.	Ecumenical Political Tolerance	128
	Conclusion	139
	Notes	146
	Index	209

Editorial Reviews

"In the contemporary debate about whether religiously-grounded moral convictions have a legitimate role in public deliberation about contested issues, Michael Perry weighs in with a resounding affirmation. Love and Power is an impressive, eloquent, and often moving argument for the possibility of 'ecumenical political dialogue' in a religiously and morally pluralistic society."—Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School

"No one combines critical understanding of the philosophical, political, legal, and theological dimensions of the interaction of religion and politics the way Perry does. He breaks new theoretical ground on a matter of urgent practical importance. A truly constructive contribution to both American politics and American religion."—David Hollenbach, S.J., Boston College

"Perry's elegantly and eloquently written book should be essential reading for all who believe in human rights. He makes a compelling argument that a vibrant political discourse about the existence and nature of universal human rights must include religious beliefs about human nature and the human good."—Nadine Strossen, American Civil Liberties Union

"Perry understands the subtle contemporary dialogue between political and religious commitments, as well as the perennial questions about faith and society. The issues raised by Love and Power are as relevant to theologians as they are to lawyers and political scientists."—Robin Lovin, Drew University

"It is an elegantly argued prescriptive message, reviewing along the way such seminal thinkers as Rawls, Rahner, Greenawalt and Schillebeeckx."—Political Studies

From the Publisher