Resisting Throwaway Culture - by Charles Camosy (Paperback)

About the Book

A Consistent Life Ethic, especially one which embraces Pope Francis' challenge to resist "throwaway culture", has the capacity to unite people who for the last several decades imagined themselves in a polarized culture war. Carefully examining a range of contemporary issues, this book articulates a new moral vision.

Book Synopsis

This is a book about hope in the midst of a polarized culture.

Camosy begins with a hopeful starting point in the midst of a crumbling US political culture: two of every three Americans constitute an "exhausted majority" who reject right/left polarization and are open to alternative viewpoints. Especially at this time of realignment, we have been given a unique moment to put aside the frothy, angsty political debates and think harder about our deepest values. A Consistent Life Ethic, especially one which embraces Pope Francis' challenge to resist "throwaway culture", has the capacity to unite people who for the last several decades imagined themselves in a polarized culture war. On issues ranging from hook-up culture, reproductive technology, abortion, euthanasia, poverty, immigration, treatment of animals, and mass incarceration, this book articulates a new moral vision in which a culture of encounter and hospitality replaces a consumer culture in which the most vulnerable get used and discarded as so much trash. At bottom, Camosy offers readers a golden opportunity to dialogue about what kinds of values should serve as the foundation for a new political culture.

Review Quotes

Camosy is a principled. smart, faithful and courageous defender of human life and human dignity. A lot of us talk about the "consistent life ethic, ' but he articulates, demonstrates and practices it. If you want to understand how the "throwaway culture" challenges both parties, left and right, and every one of us, read this book.

John Carr
Director, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University

I'm grateful to Charles Camosy for doing the hard work of trying to hash out what Catholic social teaching looks like in practice in the world as it is today. You don't have to agree with every word in this book to be inspired to do the same. This book is an exercise in moral civic responsibility and an act of love.

Kathryn Jean Lopez
Senior fellow, National Review Institute, editor-at-large National Review

Camosy has written a unique, deeply thoughtful book that merits the consideration of anyone who wishes to understand a Catholic approach to the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life. Though I may not agree with all of his conclusions, his arguments are well worth engaging.

Alexandra DeSanctis
National Review Staff Writer

A deftly written and ultimately encouraging analysis of our currently polarized political culture that seemingly breaks and fragments our country down into seemingly unreconcilable factions, "Resisting Throwaway Culture" offers insights and solutions that are as thoughtful and thought-provoking as they are ultimately inspired and inspiring. Very highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Political Science collections.

Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Charles C. Camosy is associate professor of theological and social ethics at Fordham University. His work on ethics and policy moves beyond stale and lazy arguments which artificially pit liberals and conservatives against each other. Instead, Camosy finds common ground by unpacking the real complexities of some of today's most passionately debated issues.