Good News for Common Goods: Multicultural Evangelicalism and Ethical Democracy in America

Multicultural evangelicals in the US are working to address race, poverty, inequality, politics, and religious and cultural differences in the public arena. They can work with others across race, class, religious, and political lines to achieve common good solutions without abandoning their distinctive convictions or demanding that others do so. Ethical democracy calls for a more reflexive evangelicalism and secularism and progressivism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his book "Good News for Common Goods," sociologist Wes Markofski delves into the intricate relationship between evangelical Christianity and democracy in America. Through extensive original research on multicultural evangelicals engaged in faith-based community organizing, community development, political advocacy, and public service organizations nationwide, Markofski showcases how the diverse practices of public religion among evangelical Christians can be a source of good news for non-evangelicals, people of color, and those advocating for ethical democracy in the United States.

Markofski argues that multicultural evangelicals have the potential to collaborate with individuals from diverse racial, class, religious, and political backgrounds to find common good solutions to public problems. He emphasizes that they can do so without compromising their own distinctive convictions and identities or imposing their beliefs on others. Similarly, ethical democracy demands a more reflexive evangelicalism, which requires evangelicals to be more aware of their own biases and assumptions and to engage in critical self-reflection.

Furthermore, ethical democracy also calls for a more reflexive secularism and progressivism. It recognizes the importance of secular institutions and values in shaping public policy and society and encourages evangelicals to engage in constructive dialogue with secular thinkers and activists. By working together, evangelical Christians and secular progressives can create a more inclusive and equitable society that values both religious and secular perspectives.

In conclusion, the relationship between evangelical Christianity and democracy in America is complex and multifaceted. While there are concerns about the influence of evangelicalism on political discourse and policy, Markofski's research suggests that multicultural evangelicals can play a positive role in advancing ethical democracy and working towards common good solutions to public problems. By engaging in constructive dialogue and collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds, evangelical Christians can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society that values both religious and secular perspectives.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197659700