The Sword and the Cross is a study of the relationships that exist between politics and ethics. Its intention is to point out that moral convictions conceived and implemented without political wisdom can be bankrupt and that geopolitical strategy formulated and effected without ethical character can be disastrous. Toner contends that politics and ethics are different sides of the same coin. Therefore commanders (that is, leaders in politics and government, in diplomacy, and in the military) must develop both strategic sense and ethical intuition. A study of the relationship between the sacred and the profane, this book promotes an understanding of the ways in which power and purpose can--and must--be complementary.

This study concludes that violence and conflict are part of human existence and that full and final redemption from our struggles is the gift of grace--and not of human artifice. At the same time, we have the burden (and the glory) of doing all we can to achieve our own safety and happiness, which requires political and military prudence. The reconciliation of faith or conscience with power or command is the task of leaders who are informed by civic virtue. In turn, civic virtue is the product of wise education rooted in serious study of what ought to be as well as of what is; but ethically impoverished modern education too rarely asks questions about visions of the Good. Because these conclusions are rooted in a controversial religious and philosophical tradition, they will generally challenge the accepted views in the field.

About the Author

JAMES H. TONER is Associate Professor of Political Science at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, where he teaches international politics and political philosophy. A graduate of the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he served on active duty as an Army officer from 1968-1972. He is the author of The American Military Ethic: A Meditation (Praeger, 1992) and has contributed articles and reviews to a number of scholarly and defense-related journals. Known as a superior classroom teacher, Toner has also served as Visiting Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Boomer's Books has been selling books on the internet since 1996. We pride ourselves on careful packaging and prompt shipping. We accept MasterCard and Visa. Beginning April 1, 2006 ABE is demanding all booksellers use their credit card processing system and pay ABE an additional 5.5% fee. While we ARE NOT yet raising our prices, we STRONGLY encourage you, the buyer, to contact us directly for inforamtion on how to save money. We also STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL BUYERS TO CONTACT ABE to complain about this artificial barrier between Booksellers and Book Buyers! E-mail us with any questions at boomers@gsinet.net

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Boomer's Books
NH, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Use the ABE Commerce feature to check our international shipping rates, or contact us.

You must include the three (3) digit security code from the back of your credit card for ABE Direct orders!

We wrap carefully and ship promptly!

All Sales are final unless the book is not as described Return within 10 days for refund of item price.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	10 to 30 business days	5 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 6.50	US$ 16.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.