Christian Justice and Public Policy

by Duncan B. Forrester

Overview

This book contributes to contemporary debates about justice from the perspective of Christian social ethics. Professor Forrester examines some secular theories from a theological viewpoint, and surveys the policies and practices these theories are supposed to support and justify. He argues that Christian theology, although it can no longer claim to provide a comprehensive theory of justice, can provide insights into justice that challenge some aspects of the conventional wisdom, and contribute to the building of just communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521554312
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/28/1997
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Ideology and Religion , #10
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	5.63(w) x 8.82(h) x 0.79(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Justice in Dispute: 1. Theology and public policy yesterday and today; 2. 'Nobody knows what justice is': the problem of justice in a morally fragmented society; Part II. Policies and Practices: 3. Punishment and prisons; 4. Poverty; Part III. Theories and Theologies: 5. Fairness is not enough; 6. Justice and the market; 7. Communication, gender and justice; Part IV. Theological Fragments: 8. Lively and truthful survivals? 9. Love, justice and justification; 10. Justice and community; 11. The hope of justice; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"Forrester's valuable book is about the practice of justice, both in its theoretical elaboration and application in public policy. ...Forrester's work is an excellent resource for both seminary and graduate-level religious studies courses in terms of the breadth of sources discussed as well as for critical reflection on justice and the role of religion in the public square." Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher