Social Ethics: An Examination of American Moral Traditions

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Summary: Roger Betsworth, Social Ethics
Review: Prof. Betsworth teases out four of the cultural narratives that Americans use to interpret self and world: the biblical story of covenant, the gospel of success, the story of well-being, and the mission of America. His interpretation is historically well-informed and convicing. An additional strength of the book is that Betsworth considers how each master narrative is also an occasion for self-deception. He considers in the final chapter the role of "outsiders" in debunking the oppressive use of these narratives and offering alternative stories of resistance. Betsworth should be applauded for clear writing and an accessible train of thought. I use the book successfully in an undergraduate course in Christian ethics. It also would be suitable for an American Studies course. The only drawback is that the book was published in 1990, and now is somewhat dated. You will want to supplement it with other sources that consider postmodern perspectives.