This is Jonathan Sacks' new book on the future of British society and the dangers facing liberal democracy. A counterweight to his earlier book, "The Dignity of Difference", Sacks makes the case for "integrated diversity" within a framework of shared political values. Arguing that global communications have fragmented national cultures and that multiculturalism, intended to reduce social friction, is today reinforcing it, Sacks calls for a new approach to national identity. He envisions a responsibility-based rather than rights-based model of citizenship that connects the ideas of giving and belonging. We should see society as "the home we build together", bringing the distinctive gifts of different groups to the common good. Sacks warns of the hazards free and open societies face in the 21st century, and offers an unusual religious defence of liberal democracy and the nation state. This logical sequel to Sacks' award-winning "The Dignity of Difference" (Continuum), "The Home We Build Together" makes a compelling case for "integrated diversity" within a framework of shared political values.

Table of Contents

Part One: Where are we? How did we get here?; 1. Introduction; 2. Society: Country House, Hotel or Home?; 3. A Brief History of Multiculturalism; 4. Technology and the Fragmentation of Culture; 5. Loss of Moral Consensus; 6. Losing Confidence; 7. The Breakdown of the Family; Part Two: Faith in Freedom; 8. Prologue; 9. The Concept of a Social Covenant; 10. A Religious Defence of Liberal Democracy; 11. Active Citizenship; 12. Face-to-face, Side-by-side; 13. The Jewish Experience; 14. The Home We Build Together; Part Three: Where next?; 15. Narrative and Identity; 16. Civility; 17. Tolerance; 18. In Defence of the Nation State; 19. Social Capital; 20. Bilingualism: Against Simple-mindedness in Politics; 21. The National Conversation; 22. Epilogue.

Author Biography

Sir Jonathan Sacks is Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Britain and the Commonwealth. He is the author of numerous books, including Celebrating Life, From Optimism to Hope, The Persistence of Faith and The Dignity of Difference, for which he won a Grawemeyer Award in Religion. 'There is much of great wisdom here, for readers of all faiths and none.' - Bishop of Thetford.