Acting on Conscience: How Can We Responsibly Mix Law, Religion And Politics?

by Frank Brennan

Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life? Is a Catholic health minister in a fit position to legislate on women's issues such as the right to an abortion pill? When the prime minister invokes church leaders' support in going to war with Iraq - and those church leaders tacitly approve this - is there a moral issue at stake?In Acting on Conscience Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic Frank Brennan tackles these issues head on. He explores some of the legal, moral and ethical issues that capture the public imagination - and critically examine the figures in public life who pass judgement on them. Issues covered War in IraqSame-sex marriage and parentingLate-term abortionPolitics and the judiciaryThrough detailed analysis of examples from both Australia and the US, Brennan Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life? As citizens and voters, how can we ensure that in the future, our leaders will speak for us - but not out of turn?'In an age of fear and bigotry here is a welcome book of courage and conscience.' SENATOR BOB BROWN, Australian Greens

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Michael Bullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit strange reading this after Dawkins, but was intrigued about how he created the space for catholics to 'allow' abortion and other morally confronting issues.