Beyond Idealism: A Way Ahead for Ecumenical Social Ethics

Has the ecumenical movement lost its way? Does the prophetic voice of the churches gathered together still influence our societies? "Beyond Idealism" answers these questions and others, pointing to a new orientation in the field of ecumenical social thought at a time of crisis in the ecumenical movement. It calls ecumenically minded persons to give a relevant witness to the faith of their religious communities in the midst of the challenges of globalization. Featuring an international contingent of authors, the volume calls for a "renewal of the mind" among those who are interested in social ethics. Emphasizing a move toward hopeful realism, "Beyond Idealism" suggests ecumenical action instead of market-driven answers to social problems, producing a new role for churches as prophetic messengers in society.