In Defense of Civility : How Religion Can Unite America on Seven Moral Issues that Divide Us

"James Davis provides helpful insight into controversial issues facing twenty-first-century Americans. Even those who disagree with his conclusions will find this a splendid contribution to a more civil public conversation."---Rev. J. Philip Wogaman, Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics. Wesley Theological Seminary. Washington. DC. and author of Moral Dilemmas: An Introduction to Christian Ethics "A gentle and penetrating reminder of the role that religion can play in helping us think through deep problems."---Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet "This broad-minded and intelligent book is a must-read for all who are interested in finding common ground amidst our nation's divisive political, cultural, and religious conflicts."---Dr. David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics. Mercer University. Attanta, Georgia "Davis combines just the right amount of accessibility, historical knowledge, and depth to make this book an excellent and significant contribution to the cavernous collection of literature on religion and public debate."---Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, Associate Professor of Theology. Bellamine University Louisville. Kentucky, and coeditor with Rebecca Todd Peters of To Do Justice: A Guide for Progressive Christians From abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, and stem-cell research, to war, poverty, and the environment, this timely book considers religion's impact on moral debates in America's past and present. James Calvin Davis argues for religion's potential to enrich both the content and the civility of public conversation. This book will interest all concerned citizens yearning for more careful thinking about the role of religion in public debate.