Eerdmans

Emory University Studies in Law and Religion
John Witte Jr., general editor
Building Cultures of Trust
Martin E. Marty
A respected scholar’s reflections on trust in the public sphere
American society, with its growing polarizations, is experiencing a profound crisis of trust,
from government to mass media to educational and religious institutions. And — whether
we realize it or not — this crisis affects us all.
In Building Cultures of Trust eminent scholar Martin Marty proposes ways of improving the
conditions for trust at what might be called the “grassroots” level. He maintains that citizens
must put energy into inventing, developing, and encouraging “cultures of trust” in all areas
of life — families, schools, neighborhoods, workplaces,
churches, and so on.
Marty particularly investigates how the often adversarial
proponents of science and religion can develop a
“culture of trust” in which to communicate constructively
rather than pronouncing and talking past each
other. In reply to those who doubt that small-scale
efforts at trust-building can actually make a difference,
Marty asks, What is the alternative?
“The presidential election of 2000, the sexual abuse scandal
in the Catholic Church, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
have made the degree to which trust in political and religious
leaders has been completely broken a serious consideration. In
his thoughtful and probing study, Marty, the dean of American
religious thinkers, examines some of the reasons that mistrust
is fostered in society and then suggests ways that trust can
become a more evident feature of society, enriching our lives. . . .
Offers hopeful suggestions.” — Publishers Weekly
“With Marty’s characteristic depth and insight into American
public life, this book is a vital resource for anyone who wishes
to contribute to recovering a more ‘civil’ society and moral
public discourse.”
— Jim Wallis
president and CEO of Sojourners
author of Rediscovering Values
Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished
Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago.
Among his many books are Righteous Empire and the
three-volume Modern American Religion.
Religion & Society
August / 978-0-8028-6546-5
6″ × 9″ hardcover
200 pages / $22.99 [£16.99]
Also by Martin Marty
The Mystery of the Child
978-0-8028-1766-2
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