Stanley Hauerwas; a leading theological ethicist; shows how discussions of Christology and the authority of scripture involve questions about what kind of community the church must be to rightly tell the stories of God. He challenges the dominant assumption of contemporary Christian social ethics that there is a special relation between Christianity and some form of liberal democratic social system.
#466927 in Books Frank J Merli 2004-11-17 2004-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .91 x 6.12l; 1.11 #File Name: 0253344735248 pagesThe Alabama British Neutrality and the American Civil War
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Valuable addition to Civil War LiteratureBy Eric HobartFrank Merli and David Fahey have provided us with a fine look at a relatively unstudied area - American/Confederate diplomacy during the American Civil War.The authors focus on the question of how the saga of the CSS Alabama; a Confederate ship assembled in Britain; affected British neutrality towards both the United States and the rebellious Confederacy. A very broad statement is made at the outset of the work that the "...war's outcome was determined more in Europe than it was at Gettysburg." (p. 1). This is certainly a provocative comment; and the evidence is present to back up the concept that the CSS Alabama played a big role in British neutrality; but I did not find that the author's backed up this claim. Far too much time was spent elucidating weaknesses in prior historian's treatment of the subject (primarily over previously published chronologies of the event) rather than focusing on discussions of neutrality or belligerency. In the end; however; it is clear to the reader that the Confederacy's lack of seasoned diplomats did indeed pave the way to maintenance of British neutrality rather than siding with the Confederates in the American Civil War.For a reader interested in the tale of the CSS Alabama; this is an outstanding book - it regales the reader with stories of what and why things happened; and when those events occurred. It also demonstrates the lack of ability that Confederate Diplomats had. Without the frequent references to shortcomings by previous historians; this would indeed have been a five-star book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Journal of American History reviewBy David FaheyDuncan Andrew Campbell (University of Wales; Swansea) favorably reviewed Frank Merli's posthumous book in the prestigious Journal of American History; vol. 92; issue 4 (2006). He described Merli as "one of the leading historians of the international dimensions of the American Civil War" and devoted special praise to the opening and most general chapter (The International Dimension of the American Civil War). Campbell said that "this is an essay that every scholar working on the subject needs to read." Regarding the controversy over the CSS Alabama's escape from British waters; "Merli provides much new information; impeccably sourced." As the editor of this volume; I am grateful for Campbell's generous appraisal of my friend Frank Merli's book.
