Description
Book SynopsisThis book critiques the Rawlsian concepts of justice as fairness and public reason from the perspective of Christian political theory and practice. The Rawlsian paradigm has become pervasive in multiple disciplines outside political philosophy and is unconsciously embedded in a great deal of Christian public discourse; this calls for a new level of analysis from Christian perspectives. This is the first volume to examine Rawls based on Christian principles drawn from theological ethics, social thought, political theory and practical observation. In addition to theoretical perspectives, the book connects its critique of Rawls to specific hot-topic practical questions in three areas: social issues (abortion, marriage, etc.), economic issues (wealth creation, poverty programs, etc.), and the increasing difficulty of political compromise and peaceful coexistence in the context of the culture war. The book includes some of the leading Christian political theorists in America.
Trade ReviewThis timely book explains the enormous impact John Rawls has on secular notions of relativism which have quietly crept into the Church. It is a must read for anyone seeking a Biblically based world view. -- David C. Iglesias, Wheaton College
This collection of essays affirms what many of us know and feel about justice—it is metaphysical not political. It provides a thoughtful analysis of the disastrous theoretical and sociopolitical consequences of a Rawlsian conception of justice that is rooted in a hypothetical thought experiment. Each essay makes Rawls accessible to the newcomer and is a refresher to the seasoned scholar. The collection confronts readers with the need to ground their understanding and application of justice on the basis of the divine design of human nature and flourishing and not on theoretical artifices removed from nature and reality. -- Gerson Moreno-Riano, Regent University
Table of ContentsIntroduction, Anthony B. Bradley Part One: Understanding Rawls Chapter 1: The “early Rawls”: What is justice as fairness?, Karen Taliaferro Chapter 2: The “late Rawls”: What is public reason?, Micah Watson Part Two: Rawls and Christian Ethics Chapter 3: “Much More than Fairness: The Shape of Justice in the New Testament”?, Matthew B. Arbo Chapter 4: What does justice mean without God?, Jerome C. Foss Chapter 5: Can human beings have intrinsic dignity or equality without God?, Matthew Parks Chapter 6. The secularist biases of Rawls’ "neutral" rules, Hunter Baker Chapter 7. Does “pluralism” require religion to be either rationalized or cast out of society?, Joseph Knippenberg Part Three: What It Means in Practice Chapter 8: Rawls and Civil Society, Daniel Kelly Chapter 9: Rawls and Economic Justice, John Addison Teevan Chapter 10. Rawls and the Culture War, Bryan McGraw Conclusion, Greg Forster
