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Rehumanize: A Vision to Secure Human RIghts for All
One October day in Trent during World War II, Chiara Lubich was with her friends, and a bombing raid began. They couldn’t make it to the bomb shelter, so they took cover in the cellar. As the house shook over their heads and the bombs fell all around them, they were convinced that they were going to die at that moment. Lubich is there something we could do right now at the moment of our death that would be especially pleasing to God? They opened the Gospel at random and “This I command that you love one another” (John 15:17). These friends made a pact among themselves of “mutual love.” They promised to love one another as Jesus had loved them and to make this particular commandment the basis of all that they did. So, while some Christians emphasize the apostolic mandate to go out and preach to all nations, baptizing them, Lubich emphasized John’s mandate for those who came to be part of the Focolare Movement (the ecclesial movement that grew up around Lubich): “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) The excerpts from Chiara Lubich’s writings that are collected here reflect the deep union with God that she experienced individually and as part of the Body of Christ as she put this “pearl” of the Gospel into practice.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 30, 2022
An excellent top-down view of the consistent life ethic. Aimee uses logical reasoning coming from the axiom "all human life has value and inherent dignity" to construct a politics that is not only coherent but evidence-based, with over 500 footnotes in this 270 pg book! Immensely useful for anyone wanting to explain the consistent life ethic in a fully secular way.
August 21, 2022
I have wanted someone to write this book for years. As a society we have needed a comprehensive review of a Consistent Life Ethic for decades. This is that book.
The thesis of the book is that that every human has inherent, equal, and unchanging dignity by the very nature of their humanity. Every proposition thereafter follows from this assertion. The bulk of the book is a comprehensive review of the issues of dehumanization facing our society today with an analysis of the problem, it's history, solutions to the problem, and a frank discussion and rebuttal of contrary views. Unsurprisingly, this is a large topic but the author does an admirable job of being both comprehensive and concise. Each topic is fully explored but remains easily readable and understandable.
I believe the most important aspect of this review is it's total divorce of political ideology. By doing this Aimee Murphy is able to follow a philosophically pure review of these issues without having to adhere to the arbitrary alignments of our current political milieu. As a result, this is one of the only books of this topic out there that I would consider to be completely internally consistent.
This means that every reader--regardless of their political or sociological background--will find that they strongly agree with the author on a multitude of topics. I would challenge all readers to find those point(s) of agreement and review the authors arguments carefully. Undoubtedly you will find that she has made the best arguments in favor of your stated position. The challenge then is to review the places of disagreement and grant them the same degree of latitude. I assure you the arguments are just as strong. Even if they don't convince you, I would hope that you come away with a sense of empathy and understanding of the people who earnestly hold these views.
And that is the real strength of the book. It is unifying in a world that favors disunity (or--you know--rehumanizing in a world that favors dehumanization). This book is for everyone. Go read it. It will make you a better person.
PS: I read this in one day. I'm a fairly big reader but that hasn't realistically happened in the decade since I had kids. It is a very compelling read.
The thesis of the book is that that every human has inherent, equal, and unchanging dignity by the very nature of their humanity. Every proposition thereafter follows from this assertion. The bulk of the book is a comprehensive review of the issues of dehumanization facing our society today with an analysis of the problem, it's history, solutions to the problem, and a frank discussion and rebuttal of contrary views. Unsurprisingly, this is a large topic but the author does an admirable job of being both comprehensive and concise. Each topic is fully explored but remains easily readable and understandable.
I believe the most important aspect of this review is it's total divorce of political ideology. By doing this Aimee Murphy is able to follow a philosophically pure review of these issues without having to adhere to the arbitrary alignments of our current political milieu. As a result, this is one of the only books of this topic out there that I would consider to be completely internally consistent.
This means that every reader--regardless of their political or sociological background--will find that they strongly agree with the author on a multitude of topics. I would challenge all readers to find those point(s) of agreement and review the authors arguments carefully. Undoubtedly you will find that she has made the best arguments in favor of your stated position. The challenge then is to review the places of disagreement and grant them the same degree of latitude. I assure you the arguments are just as strong. Even if they don't convince you, I would hope that you come away with a sense of empathy and understanding of the people who earnestly hold these views.
And that is the real strength of the book. It is unifying in a world that favors disunity (or--you know--rehumanizing in a world that favors dehumanization). This book is for everyone. Go read it. It will make you a better person.
PS: I read this in one day. I'm a fairly big reader but that hasn't realistically happened in the decade since I had kids. It is a very compelling read.
August 3, 2022
This is an excellent introduction to a range of issues covered by the social philosophy known as the "Consistent Life Ethic". Each chapter in the main part of the book includes an introduction to the issue, history of how perspectives have changed over time, an ethical analysis of the issue, and questions and answers to common objections to the consistent life ethic, nonviolent options presented in lieu of the violent option. The introduction to the book includes an overview of the consistent life ethic in general, and the two concluding chapters describe the way dehumanization and violence are present in our culture, and offer ways to get involved in fighting dehumanization and violence.
Overall, the book was good although it could certainly have been longer. The book is a good general introduction to the topics covered and could be used in an upper level high school course or 100-level course in undergrad. Each chapter ends with a short bibliography and there are also extensive notes. I will probably use it as a reference in the future when confronted with questions about topics I am less familiar with, like assisted suicide or embryo destruction.
The structure of the book is:
1. A philosophy for all humanity
Ending violence in reproduction
2. Embryo destruction
3. Abortion
Ending violence in war
4. Warmaking
5. Military torture
Ending violence in response to crime
6. Police brutality
7. Torture in the justice system
8. The death penalty
Ending violence in response to disability
9. Euthanasia and filicide
10. Assisted suicide
Ending dehumanization and rehumanizing the world
11. Resisting the inculturation of violence
12. Put these ideas into action.
Full disclosure: I am a coworker of the author's! However, I was not at all involved in the writing and editing of the book and did not read the book prior to its publication.
Overall, the book was good although it could certainly have been longer. The book is a good general introduction to the topics covered and could be used in an upper level high school course or 100-level course in undergrad. Each chapter ends with a short bibliography and there are also extensive notes. I will probably use it as a reference in the future when confronted with questions about topics I am less familiar with, like assisted suicide or embryo destruction.
The structure of the book is:
1. A philosophy for all humanity
Ending violence in reproduction
2. Embryo destruction
3. Abortion
Ending violence in war
4. Warmaking
5. Military torture
Ending violence in response to crime
6. Police brutality
7. Torture in the justice system
8. The death penalty
Ending violence in response to disability
9. Euthanasia and filicide
10. Assisted suicide
Ending dehumanization and rehumanizing the world
11. Resisting the inculturation of violence
12. Put these ideas into action.
Full disclosure: I am a coworker of the author's! However, I was not at all involved in the writing and editing of the book and did not read the book prior to its publication.
January 20, 2023
This book is an inspiration, a reference, and a bold statement of belief for those who refuse to allow human life to go mistreated. It’s been incredible to encounter a belief so wholistic in its approach that life is sacred, and Aimee Murphy is an individual unequivocal.
The consistent life ethic is extremely refreshing. In contrast to a pro-life movement focused near exclusively on abortion, the Consistent Life Ethic (as outlined in this book) is an unyielding creed determined to protect the honor and dignity of every human life in absolutely every form. Similarly, this book addresses the dignity of human life from a logical perspective instead of through spiritual morality. WHICH I CANNOT. STRESS. THE IMPORTANCE OF. ENOUGH.
On a personal level, I’ve never encountered a book that so completely agreed with me politically. I can “never again say that I do not know” (Quote from William Wilberforce that I first read in this book) in the best way. Maya Angelou said: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” (I learned that from this book) This book has helped me know better. As if that wasn’t enough, Catherine of Siena said: “One who knows more, loves more.“ (I also learned that from this book) following these quotes, I logically defend what I intellectually know: this book has taught me how to love better.
The consistent life ethic is extremely refreshing. In contrast to a pro-life movement focused near exclusively on abortion, the Consistent Life Ethic (as outlined in this book) is an unyielding creed determined to protect the honor and dignity of every human life in absolutely every form. Similarly, this book addresses the dignity of human life from a logical perspective instead of through spiritual morality. WHICH I CANNOT. STRESS. THE IMPORTANCE OF. ENOUGH.
On a personal level, I’ve never encountered a book that so completely agreed with me politically. I can “never again say that I do not know” (Quote from William Wilberforce that I first read in this book) in the best way. Maya Angelou said: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” (I learned that from this book) This book has helped me know better. As if that wasn’t enough, Catherine of Siena said: “One who knows more, loves more.“ (I also learned that from this book) following these quotes, I logically defend what I intellectually know: this book has taught me how to love better.
September 28, 2022
This book explains EVERYTHING. If you practice consistent non-violence, it can be hard to explain to others your foundational stances on certain issues. This book is perfect to give to someone who wants to understand your views better, or to help you learn to talk about them well! A staple for any Consistent Life Ethic advocate and a must-have for your bookshelf.
November 17, 2022
Though there are some very nice, well-thought ethical arguments in this book, there is also a lot of religious discussion cloaked in secular terminology that fails to recognize what is "moral" and "right" is truly not objective, even among religious scholars. With a heavy focus on the idea that all life is precious and humans should not intentionally harm each other, the author does a good job refuting some common talking points from a (Biblically-based) ethical standpoint, such as topics of police brutality, the death penalty, ableism, and violence against women. That being said, there is also a heavy use of the term "preborn," if you get my drift, and discussions about the legality of abortion in particular fail to give proper pause to the idea of preserving the lives of women. For example, no acknowledgment is given to the hypothetical (at the time of this book's writing) abortion restrictions, should Roe v Wade be overturned, that would prevent female patients from receiving medication designed to save their own lives, simply because those medications might cause a spontaneous abortion, even if the patient is not pregnant at the time. There is a brief mention at the beginning of the chapter that the author will only be discussing "elective" abortions and the ethics of the laws and decisions around that procedure, but fails to recognize that laws designed to deter those procedures inadvertently prevent women who did NOT elect to abort from receiving proper medical care. An incomplete miscarriage, for example, requires the medical treatment of abortion; no life is being ended by the doctor because the life had already ended. Failure to remove any remains (or tissue) in a timely manner is harmful to the mother, and strict legislation such as those laws Americans have seen enacted in 2022 prevent those procedures from taking place. Thus, the mother becomes septic and would die without proper medical care. To neglect the realities of allowing legislation to be dictated by one group's interpretation of an ethical or moral choice, no matter how well-intentioned it might have been, is to put more lives at risk. Lives that might have agreed with that legislation, before they experienced its unintended consequences.
I cannot recommend this book because of its very naive and narrow view of important, life-or-death topics, even if it does have some good advice for readers pondering these important issues. Additionally, I feel that the book is misleading in that it portrays the author as a non-traditional holder of these particular ideas (the black and white author photo has been colorized to show green hair; an awkward stance prominently displays tattoos in a way that seems to appeal to preconceived notions of what some might think a "progressive" ethicist might look like.) The author biography also makes a point of mentioning that Ms. Murphy is the founder of a "nonpartisan, secular organization," but every author talk and interview I can find with her is with religious publications. The publisher of this book is a religious publisher, with a note at the end that says the goal of the company is (Bible verse.) In essence, the organization, and this book, are only secular in that they repeat religious talking points and ideology without giving credit to the source. So....it's plagiarism? Anyway, if you want to know why many Catholics hold a "consistent pro-life from conception to natural death" stance, read this book. Don't go into it expecting an actual, secural discussion of ethics, as advertised.
I cannot recommend this book because of its very naive and narrow view of important, life-or-death topics, even if it does have some good advice for readers pondering these important issues. Additionally, I feel that the book is misleading in that it portrays the author as a non-traditional holder of these particular ideas (the black and white author photo has been colorized to show green hair; an awkward stance prominently displays tattoos in a way that seems to appeal to preconceived notions of what some might think a "progressive" ethicist might look like.) The author biography also makes a point of mentioning that Ms. Murphy is the founder of a "nonpartisan, secular organization," but every author talk and interview I can find with her is with religious publications. The publisher of this book is a religious publisher, with a note at the end that says the goal of the company is (Bible verse.) In essence, the organization, and this book, are only secular in that they repeat religious talking points and ideology without giving credit to the source. So....it's plagiarism? Anyway, if you want to know why many Catholics hold a "consistent pro-life from conception to natural death" stance, read this book. Don't go into it expecting an actual, secural discussion of ethics, as advertised.
January 19, 2024
Highly recommend. I would equate this to a readable dissertation - with the foot notes being a treasury of additional reading.
I learned much information on many Consistent Life Ethics problems and how they present in modern day life.
There are questions at the end of each chapter for book studies - which I'd love to lead in the future.
I'm quite proud to call Aimee Murphy a friend. I highly recommend checking out the non profit she started - Rehumanize International.
I learned much information on many Consistent Life Ethics problems and how they present in modern day life.
There are questions at the end of each chapter for book studies - which I'd love to lead in the future.
I'm quite proud to call Aimee Murphy a friend. I highly recommend checking out the non profit she started - Rehumanize International.
September 3, 2024
I absolutely LOVE this. I would say this book is THE comprehensive guide to the Consistent Life Ethic. Aimee Murphy was able to explain such complex intersections between sociopolitical issues with just enough simplicity to make it an easy read but not so much as to over-simplify the subject matter. I love how historical background was brought into each individual concept, and I also appreciate the cultural sensitivity. I think everybody should read this book!
October 16, 2022
Full disclosure: I work with the author, who is also a friend of mine, and with the charitable organization she founded, Rehumanize International. I also was one of several people who edited an early version of the manuscript, though the author & publisher made all final decisions about the text, and the finished version differs considerably in some parts from the initial draft that I read and edited.
As a committed supporter of the Consistent Life Ethic (CLE)—a philosophy that opposes all forms of aggressive violence / threats to the lives of humans (abortion , the death penalty; unjust war; police brutality; racially- or gender/sexuality-targeted violence; etc.) I have long wished that an accessible introductory text like this existed to explain the philosophy to the wider society. Given that such a text didn’t already exist, I don’t know of a better person to write it than my friend Aimee Murphy, who has been a tirelessly committed activist for the CLE and radical non-violence for many years.
Murphy’s book is a thorough but not exhaustive introduction. The different chapters each address separate issues (e.g., a chapter on abortion, a chapter on war, a chapter on the dehumanizing conditions faced by prisoners). For each issue, Murphy weaves together a mix of history, ethical analysis, policy suggestions, answers to common questions or objections, and discussion questions. The book is well-researched and thoroughly sourced without coming across as dry or impersonal, and Murphy has a particularly engaging writing style, even when discussing heavy topics. I suspect many people will not agree with all of the CLE’s or Murphy’s positions, but one thing I especially appreciated about this book, especially when compared to most introductory literature on the CLE, Murphy does a very good job of differentiating between issues on which followers of the CLE all agree (e.g., being against embryonic stem cell research or military torture) and those on which advocates hold a diversity of views (e.g., how strictly pacifist / non-interventionist they are, what economic systems they support), and she also is careful to make clear when she’s stating a personal view / policy preference that she holds, as opposed to a general CLE tenet. In fact, my main complaint about the book is that there was not space to mention and at least briefly explore more issues about which the CLE permits a diversity of views (for instance, gun control is one I know comes up with many of my friends. While the introduction already does a wonderful job of exploring the many different backgrounds, traditions, and religious or philosophical positions from which one can come to understand the CLE, more explanation on some of these specific issues would have, in my view, even further strengthened the book and allowed it to speak to a broader set of readers. But I understand that there wasn’t time or space. My other, more minor issues with the book (some organization, mostly) also have to do with wishing Murphy had been given more space to explain things. But I also recognize that *too* thorough of a book might have been less broadly appealing. Though I might personally have made some different choices in terms of focus and organization, i think that on the whole this book is fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone interested in human rights issues.
As a committed supporter of the Consistent Life Ethic (CLE)—a philosophy that opposes all forms of aggressive violence / threats to the lives of humans (abortion , the death penalty; unjust war; police brutality; racially- or gender/sexuality-targeted violence; etc.) I have long wished that an accessible introductory text like this existed to explain the philosophy to the wider society. Given that such a text didn’t already exist, I don’t know of a better person to write it than my friend Aimee Murphy, who has been a tirelessly committed activist for the CLE and radical non-violence for many years.
Murphy’s book is a thorough but not exhaustive introduction. The different chapters each address separate issues (e.g., a chapter on abortion, a chapter on war, a chapter on the dehumanizing conditions faced by prisoners). For each issue, Murphy weaves together a mix of history, ethical analysis, policy suggestions, answers to common questions or objections, and discussion questions. The book is well-researched and thoroughly sourced without coming across as dry or impersonal, and Murphy has a particularly engaging writing style, even when discussing heavy topics. I suspect many people will not agree with all of the CLE’s or Murphy’s positions, but one thing I especially appreciated about this book, especially when compared to most introductory literature on the CLE, Murphy does a very good job of differentiating between issues on which followers of the CLE all agree (e.g., being against embryonic stem cell research or military torture) and those on which advocates hold a diversity of views (e.g., how strictly pacifist / non-interventionist they are, what economic systems they support), and she also is careful to make clear when she’s stating a personal view / policy preference that she holds, as opposed to a general CLE tenet. In fact, my main complaint about the book is that there was not space to mention and at least briefly explore more issues about which the CLE permits a diversity of views (for instance, gun control is one I know comes up with many of my friends. While the introduction already does a wonderful job of exploring the many different backgrounds, traditions, and religious or philosophical positions from which one can come to understand the CLE, more explanation on some of these specific issues would have, in my view, even further strengthened the book and allowed it to speak to a broader set of readers. But I understand that there wasn’t time or space. My other, more minor issues with the book (some organization, mostly) also have to do with wishing Murphy had been given more space to explain things. But I also recognize that *too* thorough of a book might have been less broadly appealing. Though I might personally have made some different choices in terms of focus and organization, i think that on the whole this book is fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone interested in human rights issues.
December 23, 2022
Practical and deeply researched, Aimee gives an excellent overview of a consistent life ethic and why humans deserve nonviolence and dignified responses to the goodness of who they are.
December 9, 2023
SUMMARY: The vast majority of humanity tolerates some form of violence towards their fellow human beings. We are pro-abortion, but anti-death penalty or pro-war, but anti-euthanasia. There is a distinct lack of consistency in our value of life. In Rehumanzie Aimee Murphy does a marvelous job of explaining the values and origins of the consistent life ethic (CLE) while showing the interconnectedness of issues associated with life. For example, the amount of money America spends on the military directly affects how much we contribute to fight poverty. Another example is the same drugs that are used in abortions are used in euthanasia.
The first chapter alone is worth the price of the book as Murphy clearly and succinctly touches on the history of the movement, where self-defense fits in, key definitions and facts, the origins and roots of the philosophy, and why the CLE is for everyone.
"The (consistent life ethic is the) belief that all human beings, by virtue of their inherent human dignity, deserve to live free from violence," Murphy writes.
This dignity foundation of the CLE applies to all humans regardless of physical ability, cognitive ability, or any other trait that has been used to exclude another human being. From a Christian point of view, the doctrine of the Imago Dei - that all humans are created in the image of God and therefore are deserving of dignity and respect - works hand in hand with this philosophy.
"Authentic justice derives from our shared human dignity, and human dignity requires respect in the culture, value in the community, and protection before the law," Murphy says.
Following the introduction Murphy tackles many of the contensious issues relating to life such as embryo destruction, abortion, war, the death pentaly and euthanasia. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized with a brief, detailed, and easy-to-understand introduction on what the issue is followed by an ethical analysis and a history of the policy on the issue. Murphy pivots in the second half of the chapters by suggesting non-violent policy solutions to the issue while addressing several of the common arguments that are made in support of the issue.
Each chapter invites the reader to evaluate their own beliefs and assumptions as the chapter ends with discussion questions in addition to further reading on the topic.
While Murphy is Catholic, Rehumanize does not look at the CLE exclusively through a faith lens. You don't have to be a person of faith to appreciate this book as it potentially will resonate with believers and non-believers.
Simply put, Rehumanize is the best book for a comprehensive, yet accessible introduction to the CLE.
KEY QUOTE: "(The consistent life ethic is the) belief that all human beings, by virtue of their inherent human dignity, deserve to live free from violence."
MORE: Visit SundaytoSaturday.com where we curate topics for a disillusioned church.
The first chapter alone is worth the price of the book as Murphy clearly and succinctly touches on the history of the movement, where self-defense fits in, key definitions and facts, the origins and roots of the philosophy, and why the CLE is for everyone.
"The (consistent life ethic is the) belief that all human beings, by virtue of their inherent human dignity, deserve to live free from violence," Murphy writes.
This dignity foundation of the CLE applies to all humans regardless of physical ability, cognitive ability, or any other trait that has been used to exclude another human being. From a Christian point of view, the doctrine of the Imago Dei - that all humans are created in the image of God and therefore are deserving of dignity and respect - works hand in hand with this philosophy.
"Authentic justice derives from our shared human dignity, and human dignity requires respect in the culture, value in the community, and protection before the law," Murphy says.
Following the introduction Murphy tackles many of the contensious issues relating to life such as embryo destruction, abortion, war, the death pentaly and euthanasia. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized with a brief, detailed, and easy-to-understand introduction on what the issue is followed by an ethical analysis and a history of the policy on the issue. Murphy pivots in the second half of the chapters by suggesting non-violent policy solutions to the issue while addressing several of the common arguments that are made in support of the issue.
Each chapter invites the reader to evaluate their own beliefs and assumptions as the chapter ends with discussion questions in addition to further reading on the topic.
While Murphy is Catholic, Rehumanize does not look at the CLE exclusively through a faith lens. You don't have to be a person of faith to appreciate this book as it potentially will resonate with believers and non-believers.
Simply put, Rehumanize is the best book for a comprehensive, yet accessible introduction to the CLE.
KEY QUOTE: "(The consistent life ethic is the) belief that all human beings, by virtue of their inherent human dignity, deserve to live free from violence."
MORE: Visit SundaytoSaturday.com where we curate topics for a disillusioned church.
December 15, 2022
Aimee Murphy did a phenomenal job at organizing and explaining each of the issues that adhering to a consistent life ethic leads you to oppose. I found the intersectionality of these issues mind blowing at times. This scholarly work utilizes statistics, historical sources, scientific evidence, personal narrative, and philosophy to support her claims all throughout the book. This diversity in support keeps things entertaining.
This book is great for school-use as well! I just finished my first semester of college, and I cited this book in my final paper for my Ethics and Society class.
Not only is this book educational and delightful, it moves you to fight for change. In the final chapter it discusses what we can do with the information we learned. This book has only further solidified my passion for the consistent life ethic and I’m moving to DC for the summer to do consistent life ethic activism!
Overall, I found this book to be very helpful and eye-opening. Everyone with an open mind to varying views on these life-and-death ethical issues must give this book a read. I bought multiple copies and I’m planning on giving them out to friends and family. Hopefully they’ll become inspired in the same way I have to fight for peace and life.
This book is great for school-use as well! I just finished my first semester of college, and I cited this book in my final paper for my Ethics and Society class.
Not only is this book educational and delightful, it moves you to fight for change. In the final chapter it discusses what we can do with the information we learned. This book has only further solidified my passion for the consistent life ethic and I’m moving to DC for the summer to do consistent life ethic activism!
Overall, I found this book to be very helpful and eye-opening. Everyone with an open mind to varying views on these life-and-death ethical issues must give this book a read. I bought multiple copies and I’m planning on giving them out to friends and family. Hopefully they’ll become inspired in the same way I have to fight for peace and life.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews