Public Dimensions of a Believer's Life: Rediscovering the Cardinal Virtues / Edition 1

by Monika K. Hellwig

Overview

In recent American politics, the term “morality” has come to be used in a way almost entirely restricted to private family and sexual issues, leaving aside responsibility for immensely consequential decisions about initiating wars, oppressive policies, regressive tax structures, and disregard of the United Nations and international law. Public Dimensions of a Believer’s Life is about human responsibility in public life and the moral and spiritual factors involved in exercising that responsibility. Monika Hellwig explores the decisions people have to make in human affairs at all levels of social organization, the values that guide these decisions, and the way those values are often apparently in conflict with one another.

By looking at major moral issues in the political decisions, actions and failures to act, of the twentieth century in the light of the tradition of the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance), Hellwig’s work explores the moral implications of the political life in our own times.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742550155
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/01/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Monika K. Hellwig is a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown Univerisity and past president of the Associateion of Catholic Colleges and Universities. She is an international lecturer and prominent voice in religion, education, and the public square.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: Tensions in the Dynamic of the Redemption Chapter 2 Conformity and Critical Dissent Chapter 3 Obedience and Discernment Chapter 4 Humility and the Uses of Power Chapter 5 Loyalty and the Demands of Truth Chapter 6 Absolutes and Compromises Chapter 7 Law and Justice Chapter 8 Patriotism and Discipleship Chapter 9 Fairness and Compassion Chapter 10 Family and Social Responsibility Chapter 11 Ambition and Contemplation Chapter 12 Tradition and Change Chapter 13 Institution and Community. Chapter 14 Conclusion: The Cardinal Virtues in Christian Life

Editorial Reviews

Monika Hellwig brings a deep and broad knowledge of the Catholic Christian tradition, a lifetime of varied experience, and a believer's commitment to challenge all of us about our responsibility for the public dimension of our lives. Her fascinating approach develops each chapter by discussing two related but, at times, opposed concepts (e.g., obedience and discernment, fairness and compassion, tradition and change). The book is challenging, wise, perceptive, and radical in the best sense of the word. I hope it has the widest possible readership and that we readers will accept its call to work for a better human society.

Charles E. Curran

In Germany during the rise of Hitler, in Rome during Vatican II, Monika Hellwig has for decades been a perceptive and courageous witness to events in both Church and world. Here she reflects with keen insight on the interplay of Christian faith and public life with the wisdom of experience and the courage that more of our best known theologians should exhibit. She analyses the tensions— both within the Church and in secular society—that confront mature faith today.

Daniel Finn

A stunning essay, steeped in the wisdom of a mature believer who has wrestled for decades with faith's public meaning. Salted with examples, this book takes the reader on a tour of critical questions, and tenders solutions steeped in prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Read it and think. Think and be strengthened to chart a path of conscience in church and society.

Elizabeth A. Johnson

Monika Hellwig brings a deep and broad knowledge of the Catholic Christian tradition, a lifetime of varied experience, and a believer's commitment to challenge all of us about our responsibility for the public dimension of our lives. Her fascinating approach develops each chapter by discussing two related but, at times, opposed concepts (e.g., obedience and discernment, fairness and compassion, tradition and change). The book is challenging, wise, perceptive, and radical in the best sense of the word. I hope it has the widest possible readership and that we readers will accept its call to work for a better human society.