Covenant and Consensus

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Is it wise to mix theology & politics? Cora Cypser states in "Covenant & Consensus" that the world would run better if we had governments where "everyone's" voice was heard, & if all these "everyones" were dedicated people in covenant with what is best. What the good community needs are covenanted persons who are willing to listen to each other's problems & to come up with solutions in which all disputants gain. Cypser believes that institutions such as the Catholic Church, the government of Israel, & prison systems should demonstrate their responsibility by implementing the principles of "covenant" & "consensus." Instead of the authoritarian approach to education, religion, & government, she suggests a structure that supports & facilitates cooperative community. This calls for dedicated individuals who are able to transform society through each covenanting his own heart & then participating in consentaneous community. Authoritarian teaching can be replaced by experiential learning. Pyramidal social structures must give way to community exchanges of information. Economic structures must consider the needs of the poor rather than encouraging the further aggrandizement of the powerful.