Social Selves and Political Reforms: Five Visions in Contemporary Christian Ethics

(Hardback)

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Christian ethicists from a wide spectrum of methods and commitments come together in arguing for some kind of social conception of the self, noticing that convergence sheds new light on the current range of theoretical options in Christian ethics. But it also opens up an important conversation about political reform. Social visions of the self help ethicists comprehend and evaluate the moral work of institutions--comprehension that is especially important in a time of crisis for democratic participation. But not all visions of the social self are equal. Snarr's book explores and evaluates five different visions of the social self from five key ethicists (Rauschenbusch, Niebuhr, Hauerwas, Harrison, and Townes). It identifies insights and risks associated with each vision of the self and considers the adequacy of each vision for reforms that deepen democracy. The book concludes with a proposal for six core convictions about the social self that help form Christian political ethics able to respond to contemporary needs for democratic reform.

Reviews

The main strength of C. Melissa Snarr's book Social Selves and Political Reform is her focus on the social self. By focusing on this underutilized concept within ethical theory, Snarr is able to steer clear of any false dichotomy between the individual and the community - the self is always already a social being that cannot be understood atomistcally (as a self-sufficient individual) nor as a component of a larger sociological entity. As a result, her analysis gains a significant social complexity that is often overlooked by other liberal political theorists...Social Selves and Political Reform is a wonderful resource to establish some very clear parameters with regard to politico-ethical anthropologies. It is clear, insightful, and a great starting pint for any budding ethicist. -- Geoff Salomons * Anglican Theological Review, ATR/92.2 *
Snarr's work provides a definite service to those interested in the intersection of a social anthropology and political agency, especially in the United States and Protestant contexts. Since this reviewed is convinced of the centrality of a social anthropology for social issues and is familiar with the Roman Catholic traditions, I found her assessment, critique and link to political life helpful, insightful and valuable reading. -- Mary Elsbernd, Loyola University Chicago * Catholic Books Review *
Insightful comparisons made by Snarr about the concepts of the social self held by these thinkers make this book a significant contribution to the field... one of its goals is to motivate Christian ethicists to examine more carefully the problems of their own political systems an to speak out on reforms that are greatly needed. In addition, Snarr addresses questions that may help church leaders who are interested in encouraging congregations to become more politically engaged. -- Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty * Interpretation, April 2009 *

Author Bio

Assistant Professor of Ethics and Socity, Vanderbilt University Divinity School and Graduate Division of Religion