Dissent of the Governed, The
a meditation on law, religion, and loyalty
Stephen L. Carter
167 pages | ~5 hrs
Dissent of the Governed, The
a meditation on law, religion, and loyalty
By Stephen L. Carter
In a time when political discourse feels increasingly fractured, Stephen L. Carter offers a profound examination of democracy's most essential yet overlooked element: the sacred right to dissent. Rather than viewing disagreement as a threat to social order, Carter reveals how principled opposition serves as the very lifeblood of authentic democratic governance.
Drawing from a fresh interpretation of the Declaration of Independence, Carter argues that dissent, not mere consent, stands at the foundation of legitimate government. He explores how our contemporary political culture pressures citizens to conform to a singular moral vision, often forcing individuals to suppress their deepest convictions in service of an artificial unity.
This dynamic proves particularly challenging for people of faith, whose spiritual communities may hold values that diverge from prevailing cultural norms. Carter demonstrates how religious citizens frequently find themselves caught between their sacred obligations and societal expectations, creating an internal tension that reflects broader democratic struggles.
Through careful analysis of real-world cases, Carter illustrates when civil disobedience becomes not just permissible but necessary for democracy's health. He distinguishes between challenging specific policies and undermining governmental authority itself, showing how this crucial difference enables both social progress and political stability.
This thoughtful work invites readers to reconsider their relationship with authority, conscience, and community, offering wisdom for navigating the complex intersection of personal conviction and civic responsibility.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Loyalität
- ✓ Explore Graubünden
- ✓ Explore Politik
- ✓ Explore Staat (politicologie)
- ✓ Explore Church and state
- ✓ Explore Religion et Etat
- ✓ Explore Juridische aspecten
- ✓ Explore Politische Kultur
Topics
Details
- Published
- 1998
- Publisher
- Harvard University Press
- ISBN-10
- 0674212657
- Pages
- 167
- Language
- EN
- LC Classification
- JC328.C27 1998
