A Culture of Engagement: Law, Religion, and Morality

Kaveny (Law's Virtues), professor of law and theology at Boston College, argues that assimilation and isolation are not the only choices for religious believers. Instead, they can opt for a culture of engagement where different traditions and viewpoints come together in meaningful conversation. With ambitious scope, Kaveny provides a series of examples of this culture at work, tackling complicated legal and ethical questions such as the death penalty, religious freedom under the Affordable Care Act, same-sex marriage, and assisted suicide. For each issue, her legal training and religious commitments weave together smoothly to provide thoughtful and considered answers from a liberal Catholic perspective. The very short chapters (most fewer than three pages) originated as blog posts or columns for Commonweal Magazine, which will frustrate readers looking for a bit more depth. On the other hand, Kaveny's concision makes for easily consumed and clearly argued snippets on urgent concerns. This is a compassionate, committed, highly readable guide to recent rows in the hotly debated intersections among ethics, faith, and the rule of law. (Feb.)