Description
Book SynopsisThe Soul of a Nation is a series of essays on American societyâs culture, morality, law, education, and faith: subjects that confront our society and will be of interest to citizens and scholars who have studied its political drift in recent years.
Trade Review[This] is a book filled with wisdom — and hope; a book not only for scholars and students, but for citizens who want to understand how our deeply wounded culture fell into the condition it is in and how we can . . . restore intellectual and moral standards. -- Robert P. George, Visiting Professor, Harvard Law School; McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Fr. Coughlin has diagnosed with acuity and courageous honesty the ideas and movements that have adversely affected our culture and our universities over half a century. His wise observations should be heeded by everyone concerned with the authentic renewal of [our] culture. -- James Hitchcock, St. Louis University
If . . . a war rages for possession of the mind and heart of our culture, I want Fr. Coughlin regularly stationed, with binoculars, in whatever observation post looms above the action and distraction below. . . . The Soul of a Nation is a gift to the nation we [will] all love. -- William Murchison, Creators Syndicate
This is a book that reveals the best of what a lifetime of prayer and reading can grant. [This] book . . . shows what a life dedicated to education can, and should, produce. -- Joseph Bottum, contributing editor,
The Weekly StandardThe essays particularly explain how American society has shifted culturally and politically since World War II...It would inform and challenge college aged students who are grappling with philosophical, spiritual, political, and ethical questions for the first time. * First Things *
Table of ContentsPreface I. Culture Roots of the Culture On Multiculturalism On High and Low Cultures On Sophocles and Culture On Open and Closed Minds On Freedom and Equality On Art and Artists Who, Then, Will Teach Them? Move Over, Monkey Dangerous to Your Health! Sometimes Far Less Than Angels Death for Sale II. Morality The Moral Crisis On Freedom and Truth The Moral Anarchy We Want On “Values Clarification” Or, No Moral Rules At All Why Teach Ethics? Sifted Like Wheat An Angel of Light On Public Morality On Luxor and the Gods III. Law A Gift of God On Our First Amendment “We Hold These Truths” What Truths We Hold On “Intellectual and Moral Illiterates” On Contract and Covenant If You Live by the Sword On Laws and Logic “Yes, Abortion Kills Babies, But…” “The Sound of Your Brother’s Blood” IV. Education The Melting Pot Architecture of Souls Do Public Schools Still Serve the Public Good? What’s Wrong with the Schools? Humanities Under Attack Rendering God’s Things to Caesar On Bullhorns and Baseball Bats The Cultivation of Moral Morons “…It Stinks…” Vouchers, Anyone! On Homework and Restless Feet On Egalitarianism It’s a Socialist System Hurrah for Adele Jones! “On Caring and the Professor’s Job” V. Faith The Two Standards Oh, I’m Nobody I’m Somebody On Flags and Other Symbols Eucharist Who Abides in Love? Mary On Ducklings Thoughts from St. Emilion “I Wish you to Serve us” Follow the Conductor On Saying “Goodbye” and “Hello” On Autumn…and Then Spring Bibliography Index
