Brian Stiltner – författare

The term Ocommon goodO has often been ill-defined or undefined in political, philosophical, and theological discourses. Brian Stiltner seeks to repair this deficit in his study Religion and the Common Good. He explores the meaning of the common good and the prospects for pursuing it in a liberal society. Focusing on the conceptions of common good in liberalism and communitarianism—the former stressing individual rights and social tolerance, the latter stressing a communityOs shared history and social practices—Stiltner argues that the two theories are not as irreconcilable as they seem, that they can be combined into a Ocommunal liberalism.O Stiltner provides an outline of the twentieth-century Catholic common good theory as an example of such a synthesis. A fascinating study, Religion and the Common Good will be an invaluable volume for scholars of social ethics, religion, theology, philosophy and political science.

"This book began in an argument between friends surprised to find themselves on opposite sides of the debate about whether the United States and the United Kingdom should invade Iraq in 2003. Situated on opposite sides of the Atlantic, in different churches, and on different sides of the just war/pacifist fence, we exchanged long emails that rehearsed on a small scale the great national and international debates that were taking place around us. We discovered the common ground we shared, as well as some predictable and some surprising points of difference...When the initial hostilities ended, our conversation continued, and we felt the urgency of contributing to a wider Christian debate about whether and when war could be justified." (From the Preface). So began a dynamic collaboration that developed into a civil but provocative debate over matters of war and peace that is "Faith and Force". From the ancient battles between Greek city-states to the Crusades to the World Wars of the twentieth-century to the present-day wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the Middle East, aggressors and defenders alike have claimed the mantle of righteousness and termed their actions just.But can the carnage of war ever be morally grounded? And if so, how? These are the questions that David L. Clough, a Methodist proponent of pacifism, and Brian Stiltner, a Catholic theologian and just war adherent, have vowed to answer - together. With one voice, Clough and Stiltner outline and clarify issues of humanitarian intervention, weapons proliferation, and preventative war against rogue states. Their writing is grounded in Christian tradition and provides a fresh and illuminating account of the complexities and nuances of the pacifist and just war positions. In each chapter Clough and Stiltner engage in debate on the issues, demonstrating a respectful exchange of ideas absent in much contemporary political discourse - whether on television or in the classroom. The result is a well-reasoned, challenging repartee that searches for common ground within the Christian tradition and on behalf of the faithful promotion of justice - yet one that also recognizes genuine differences that cannot be bridged easily. Intended for a broad audience, "Faith and Force" is the perfect foil to the shrill screeching that surrounds partisan perspectives on military power and its use.To help with using the book in a classroom context, the authors have provided Questions for Reflection and Discussion for each chapter. You can download these questions in PDF format from our associated website.

In the face of polarization and disconnection in American society, congregations remain vital for helping people create authentic community. This resource teaches pastors and church members how to strengthen their congregations through practices such as hospitality and small-group sharing and how to build up their neighborhoods through public service and faith-based community organizing. Stiltner provides inspiration and advice for Christians who still have hope for community.Stiltner argues that America’s deepest crisis is a crisis of community. Drawing on six years of research in six congregations, Stiltner shows how churches can help rebuild social trust and strengthen civic life. Faith in Community offers a hopeful call for congregations to be the communities that God calls them to be, which will make their local communities stronger in the process.Community is fragile these days, sometimes even in congregations. Stiltner contends that, in the face of political polarization and eroded social trust, Christians need to be very intentional about how they build community. What’s most important for doing so, both within the congregation and as the congregation reaches out, is nurturing relationships. With numerous examples from his research, Stiltner develops strategies for community building that are doable for any church.