BOOK REVIEW Title: Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-up Idealists

The title of Susan Neiman’s 2008 book suggests that she will provide the reader some answers, or at least a lens through which they might gain clearer understanding of what is right and wrong in today’s world. Neiman argues that moral clarity can be obtained if the reader has the courage to examine critically the world around them and to take required action. Neiman uses historical writings from the past two centuries, religious and secular, to force the reader to reflect on the current state of society. Aspects of society which are good, evil, or, at the very least, disparate, are discussed. This leads readers to reflect on their place within that society. The purpose of which is to suggest alternative possibilities for a framework with which to examine contemporary events. Neiman has organized this text into three parts: Ideal and Real, Enlightenment Values, and Good and Evil. Her style of moving between the spaces of historical writing and events of contemporary society keeps readers engaged as they too begin to question, with greater awareness that which is so often taken for granted. Beginning with a well recognized story of the Bible, Sodom and Gomorrah, Neiman illustrates how Abraham chooses his course of action by seeking justice and questioning the will of God. The stor