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America Against Itself is an in-depth, multi-faceted analysis of the pervasive cultural warfare that threatens to undermine the American social structure.
Partly autobiographical, slightly polemical, and thoroughly challenging, America Against Itself is an in-depth, multi-faceted analysis of the pervasive cultural warfare that threatens to undermine the American social structure. Richard John Neuhaus, author of The Naked Public Square, employs a large measure of social criticism, moral philosophy, and religious reflection in analyzing this contemporary Kulturkampf. He addresses the limits and imperatives of politics as well as religion's role in defining our common culture. Among the subjects tackled are the abortion debate, the urban underclass, and the nature of altruism in a world that rewards uncaring. In addition, Neuhaus reflects on his role in "The Movement" of the 1960s, and how, despite its idealistic intentions, it went so wildly wrong.
America Against Itself is not a prolonged lamentation against the prevailing moral and intellectual decline that seems characteristic of the contemporary era. Instead, Neuhaus presents a careful and sympathetic analysis of why we have turned against the highest ideals of the American experiment, and issues a bracing call to turn anew to the challenging vision of "a new order for the ages."
This book is a disturbing, but ultimately hopeful, testament from one of America's foremost public intellectuals, whose passage through three tumultuous decades proves a valuable qualification for probing the complex issue of conflicting moralities struggling to exist in a representative democracy.
"An even-tempered ... critique of the American soul as it exhibits itself on the different fronts of our 'culture war.' Neuhaus traces the traumas of our social and political life back to their ontological roots and supplies a prognosis that will undoubtedly scandalize as many as it sways.... His thesis is original enough to compel attention and forceful enough to provoke thought." —Kirkus Reviews
"The book coheres around Neuhaus' conviction that many current trends in America are setting it against its better self....the book adds another bit of solid evidence that Neuhaus is one of America's leading public theologians." —Pro Ecclesia
"Drawing primarily on Christian sentiments, Neuhaus arguee that without some appeal to a transcendent truth that can both direct political life and limit its claims, law self-destructs, the community becomes arbitrarily determined by comfort, will, or emotion, and humanity is debased." —Review of Politics
"Neuhaus laments the rise of autonomous individualism as traditional Protestantism receded and connects it to the plight of the urban underclass, the unborn, and increasing indifference to vulnerable human life. He worries that nihilism is increasingly ascendant against altruism and the public good." —Juicy Ecumenism
Richard John Neuhaus (d. 2009) was president of the Institute of Religion and Public Life. He is the author of more than ten books including The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America and The Catholic Moment. In addition, he has published hundreds of articles on theology, ethics, and public affairs.