The Home We Build Together: Recreating Society

I certainly agree with Sack's description of the malaise and multiple problems in England (which I see as a corollary to the problems in the USA)--and how both of our countries got to this place. He claims that the trends in both countries towards "valuing" individual and ethnic identities (Multiculturalism) has not strengthened our mutual nations. It has, instead, weakened our national identities (our "home") and turned us into a "hotel" with individual groups housed in independent and intolerant "rooms"--each seeking to further its own agenda. I see evidence of this every day in the news and in the dysfunctionality of our governments at all levels. As I was reading this book, I was dismayed to see a news blurb about how fewer and fewer schools require students to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the American flag every day. What better example of loss of our national identity! Apparently, we are no longer the "melting pot" envisioned by our forefathers where all peoples were welcomed but were expected to become American in language, thought and action. Instead, we are now a "potpourri" of different flavors that will not mix. Likewise, he identifies several other trends which we all know are happening but refuse to actively address in our media, i.e., the "dumbing down" of America, the increasing lack of civility/courtesy towards others, the obscene influence of "big money" in our society and the growing trend of economic inequality - in short, the dissolution of the American dream. As a member of the "Boomer" generation, I certainly identify with his concerns.But I think his overarching solution to these problems is unrealistic. He believes that we simply need to go back to our Judaeo-Christian roots and re-adopt the moral lessons therein. That's all well and good--but I think, quite frankly, that "the cow has left the barn and she ain't coming back!" I think it's pollyanna-thinking to believe that we can go back to a 50's moral and community culture. The world has definitely changed. We are an interconnected, global community now. Like it or not, our countries are a mirror of this. And this process is accelerating. Some futurists have predicted that we will eventually become an integrated world civilization. On that journey, however, we will first fragment into separate "super-cultures" based on common cultural traits (ethnicity, religion)-- rendering our current nation-states and their boundaries meaningless. Once we have become sufficiently integrated (many years and conflicts into the future), everybody will be multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, humanist in their thinking and with allegiance to a world civilization. The USA and England would be long gone. Patriotism to a "nation-state" or blind allegiance to a religion would be seen as primitive anachronisms. Sound implausible? Look closely at today's trends and consider where they're going...

It's okay, indeed. A little denser than other books I read of his. On point, but not an easy read. I was glad I read The Great Partnership and To Heal a Fractured World, also by Jonathan Sacks, first. I fell in love with his writing and worldview in those two.

Rabbi saks does not disappoint his message is always clearA society we build together will be stronger if we respect each other's differences and try to change themWe can all contribute to building of a better society because of our differencesNot inspite of them.great book!

Compelling book by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Engaging read and insightful.

Fascinating approach to creating a vibrant, caring community in the 21st century. I am particularly impressed by Sack's knowledge and understanding of American political history.

A must read for everyone!

England's most influential Jewish leader has crafted a wonderful critique of multi-culturalism and argued for erecting a new conccept of identity in its place. He argues that multi-culturalism has fragmented society and although the ideas behind it were noble the outcome has been brutal. Instead we need a new society that will emphasize heritage withotu causing hate and identity politics and will recreate religion outside politics.A very interesting and pursuasive text that is worth reading and has wide ramifications for countries outside the UK.Seth J. Frantzman

I cannot recommend this book enough. As pastor of a church, I've pushed my members to read it, young pastors to read it, people of different faiths that I work with around the world. The ideas presented are a way forward for our future. The concept of "side-by-side" sweating and engagement is the only way we will ever survive the polarization of society. If you've read my book Glocalization - you will love this - read it!

A very stimulating work of social analysis and exploration of the ways in which our society may and should develop to meet contemporary challenges.

A very good read for anyone wondering how we have got into the state we are in today. Spirityally and Morally

I enjoyed this book very much.

A thought provoking and well reasoned text. Not an easy read, but well worth the effort.

Very wise