Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Re-enfranchising Benevolence
Part I: Philosophical Inquiry
Chapter 2: Benevolence as a Private Virtue
Chapter 3: Benevolence as a Public Virtue
Part II: Theological Inquiry
Chapter 4: Benevolence and Justice
Chapter 5: Benevolence and Mercy
Chapter 6: Benevolence and Compassion
Part III: Moral Integrity
Chapter 7: Benevolence as Historical Praxis
Chapter 8: Benevolence and a Politics of Mercy
James E. Gilman is professor emeritus of philosophy and religion at Mary Baldwin College. He is the author of Fidelity of Heart: An Ethic of Christian Virtue and Faith, Reason and Compassion: A Philosophy of the Christian Faith.
Gilman’s argument is impressive in both its breadth and detail.
*Journal of Church and State*
Clear, careful, and balanced. I know of no other book which so well
integrates theories of justice with a treatment of mercy,
compassion, and benevolence as actually necessary to achieve
justice. It is a very fresh take on the topic.
*John A. Coleman S.J., University of San Francisco*
This book powerfully advocates for the reestablishment of
benevolence in both private and public life. “Mercy trumps
justice,” and only mercy as benevolence can redeem either our heart
or our society from prior injustices. Insightful and
innovative.
*Ted Peters, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary*
This is an impressive, erudite, yet easily understood argument that
the idea of mercy as benevolence has been privatized in American
political thinking and subordinated to the idea of justice in much
Christian ethical reasoning—with unfortunate consequences for our
public wellbeing. It prompts a greatly needed discussion for
generations to come.
*Edward LeRoy Long Jr., Drew University*
Simply put, Gilman’s wide-ranging, highly lucid account of
“merciful benevolence” is a must read! By disclosing the
interpretive range and power of one of the most underappreciated
ethical categories in our time, it makes an original contribution
to the field of Christian Ethics. Perhaps more significantly, it
re-frames wider discourse about how we ought to treat one
another.
*Jack A. Hill, Texas Christian University*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |