Religion and Neighborliness

Ben Brown reads Robert Putnam's new book, which explores the ways in which religion in the U.S. causes greater intolerance but simultaneously a greater civic engagement and likelihood of helping others through charitable acts.

1 minute read

October 9, 2010, 9:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Brown thinks the book should be a call to action:

"What if we make our profession of faith an investment of trust in folks in our neighborhoods and maybe a few blocks beyond? What if we act as if we owe them the chance to age comfortably in the communities in which they now live?"

Brown says such a move is necessary given the current climate of isolationist behavior:

"We're like kids building pretend forts, gathering up all our favorite toys and stuffing them in space we imagine we can protect from threats we imagine await us."

Thanks to Hazel Borys

FULL STORY: Zoning as Spiritual Practice: From me to we to Thee

Friday, October 8, 2010 in PlaceShakers

Land Use United States Land Use SmartCode Form-Based Code connectivity Spirituality Communty View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.