This thesis aims to retrieve an ethical focus on the (common) good, but within the contemporary social and ecclesial contexts. David Hollenbach is a leading author in this field, especially because he attempts to answer important questions like the role of religion in public life, the traditional concept of tolerance and individualism in a pluralistic society, and other contemporary problems with relationships in a community. This study is structured into three chapters. The first one is an examination of the current situation characterized by pluralism, individualism, and tolerance, of which approach have not effectively addressed urban poverty in the United States. The second chapter establishes a theoretical framework for the common good based on social goods, public role of religion, theological contributions from Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, and intellectual solidarity. The final chapter is a reading of practical issues based on the common good theory. A restatement of the ancient tradition of the common good, a valuable concept to the Catholic social teaching, in a way that addresses contemporary social divisions in urban life and global society is the main objective of this thesis. Hollenbach draws on social analysis, moral philosophy, and theological ethics to chart new directions to bring the common good closer to all Americans. The problems of division between the middle class and the poor in major cities and other contemporary challenges require a new commitment to the common good. Tolerance is not the best reason to base this type of relationship. Moreover, individualism, deeply rooted in American culture, hinders the achievement of the common good. In order to achieve this, a reading of Thomas Aquinas and Augustine, in Hollenbach’s Christian ethics, calls both, believers and secular people, to move toward new forms of solidarity, if they wish to live a good life together. A theoretical reframing of the common good allows someone to make practical contributions to the various approaches of politics, society, culture, and religion in its developmental momentum.