John Rawls and Christian Social Engagement: Justice as Unfairness

Book info: John Rawls and Christian Social Engagement: Justice as Unfairness (Hardcover, 216 pages) – Lexington Books, 2014. Language: English.

This book critiques the Rawlsian concepts of “justice as fairness” and “public reason” from the perspective of Christian political theory and practice. The Rawlsian paradigm has become pervasive in multiple disciplines outside political philosophy and is unconsciously embedded in a great deal of Christian public discourse; this calls for a new level of analysis from Christian perspectives. This is the first volume to examine Rawls based on Christian principles drawn from theological ethics, social thought, political theory and practical observation. In addition to theoretical perspectives, the book connects its critique of Rawls to specific hot-topic practical questions in three areas: social issues (abortion, marriage, etc.), economic issues (wealth creation, poverty programs, etc.), and the increasing difficulty of political compromise and peaceful coexistence in the context of the culture war. The book includes some of the leading Christian political theorists in America. Editorial Reviews Review

“This timely book explains the enormous impact John Rawls has on secular notions of relativism which have quietly crept into the Church. It is a must read for anyone seeking a Biblically based world view.” ―David C. Iglesias, Wheaton College

“This collection of essays affirms what many of us know and feel about justice―it is metaphysical not political. It provides a thoughtful analysis of the disastrous theoretical and sociopolitical consequences of a Rawlsian conception of justice that is rooted in a hypothetical thought experiment. Each essay makes Rawls accessible to the newcomer and is a refresher to the seasoned scholar. The collection confronts readers with the need to ground their understanding and application of justice on the basis of the divine design of human nature and flourishing and not on theoretical artifices removed from nature and reality.” ―Gerson Moreno-Riano, Regent University

About the Author Jerome C. Foss is associate professor of politics at Saint Vincent College.

Daniel Kelly is Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University, USA.

Greg Forster is program director for American History, economics and religion at the Kern Family Foundation in Waukesha, USA. His previous publications include John Locke's Politics of Moral Consensus (CUP, 2005) and The Contested Public Square (InterVarsity Academic, 2008).