Dust that Breathes: Christian Faith and the New Humanisms

"The recovery of a chastened humanistic perspective and agenda is a global imperative. William Schweiker critically examines topics that have historically claimed the humanist title, weaving together a vision that builds upon them yet goes well beyond. With skill and passion he provides insight into what it means to live the life of faith today. This is a seminal text from an author who is at the forefront of the debate, deserving a wide readership."
—John W. de Gruchy, Emeritus Professor of Christian Studies, University of Cape Town

"The Dust That Breathes reinstates religious humanism in the light of the challenges of globalization, multiculturalism, and the looming ecological catastrophe threatening our planet. Although inflected with Christian theological imagery and concepts, Schweiker's vision addresses all men and women of religious faith who share an urgent sense of responsibility to secure the divinely created order and the dignity of human existence. It deserves to receive wide attention."
—Paul Mendes-Flohr, Professor of Modern Jewish Thought, The Divinity School, University of Chicago

"In Dust that Breaths, the renowned North American ethicist William Schweiker continues to portray the stance towards life that he has made known as theological humanism. The reader is taken on a fascinating journey ... in a text that combines a humanistic pathos with a thick theological anthropology, constructive use of particularly Christian sources, and moral realism. It is a difficult and exciting endeavor. It is carried out with the help of Schweiker’s learnedness and his trademark ability to integrate a quest for intersubjectivity with openness for great complexity and ongoing change."
—Per Sundman, Faculty of Theology, Uppsala University