Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction to Issues and Approaches
Overview
Theology and philosophy have both shaped contemporary culture and how people actually think about moral issues. This introductory textbook engages both traditions to present Christian philosophical and theological approaches to ethics.
Combining their expertise in philosophy and theology, Craig Boyd and Don Thorsen explain the beliefs, values, and practices of various Christian ethical viewpoints, addressing biblical teachings as well as traditional ethical theories that contribute to informed moral decision-making. Each chapter begins with Words to Watch and includes a relevant case study on a vexing ethical issue, such as caring for the environment, human sexuality, abortion, capital punishment, war, and euthanasia. Designed for use in the classroom, the book includes end-of-chapter reflection questions, illustrations, and additional information tables.
Key Features
- Presents an overview of vital ethical questions and dilemmas
- Includes introductions, key terms, and Scripture references for each topic
- Provides discussion questions for each chapter
Contents
- Varieties of Ethics and Moral
- Case Study: Violence against Women and Children
- Ethics in the Hebrew Scriptures
- Case Study: Care for the Environment
- Ethics in the Christian Scriptures
- Case Study: The Nearest and the Neediest
- Divine Command Theory
- Case Study: Intervention, Exemptions, and Conscience
- Natural Law Ethics
- Case Study: Human Sexuality
- Individualistic Ethics
- Case Study: Abortion
- Kantian Ethics
- Case Study: Capital Punishment
- Utilitarianism
- Case Study: War
- Continental Ethics
- Case Study: Euthanasia
- Virtue Ethics
- Case Study: Lying
- Epilogue: Love and Christian Ethics
Praise for the Print Edition
Boyd and Thorsen have created the perfect text in Christian moral theory. Employing a holistic approach that combines both philosophical and theological perspectives in the Christian tradition, this book is a remarkably comprehensive study of all major ethical positions. Guided by clear commitment to the teachings of Jesus on love, the book analyzes utilitarian ethics, natural law ethics, virtue ethics, and more at both theoretical and practical levels. In addition to lucid treatments of the topics, the book contains all the accoutrements that make a great text, including engaging case studies and listings of key terms for each chapter.
—Michael L. Peterson, professor of philosophy of religion, Asbury Theological Seminary
With attention squarely directed to the introductory reader, Boyd and Thorsen carefully lay out the terrain of moral philosophy and moral theology. Reason and faith are closely coordinated in a fair and broad yet precise manner. They skillfully deploy examples to show how Christian and philosophical thought handle difficult issues, such as euthanasia, abortion, lying, and the quality of moral concern in addressing the despoliation of nature. This is a textbook as well as a primer for the field of Christian ethics. It will serve as the standard in its class for many years to come.
—Paul Allen, professor of theological studies, Concordia University
Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy helps readers understand and engage a range of approaches to ethics in an inviting and accessible fashion. More than a descriptive enterprise, this book will help all who read it to grow in their capacity for moral discernment.
—Vince Bacote, associate professor of theology and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics, Wheaton College
Product Details
- Title: Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction to Issues and Approaches
- Authors: Craig A. Boyd and Don Thorsen
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2018
- Pages: 208
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: Ethics
About the Authors
Craig A. Boyd is professor of philosophy at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the coauthor of several books, including Faith and Reason: Three Views and Virtues and Their Vices. He has also published numerous journal articles and has presented at many scholarly conferences.
Don Thorsen (PhD, Drew University) is professor of theology, chair of the department of theology and ethics, and director of the Master of Divinity program at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. His previous books include An Exploration of Christian Theology, What Christians Believe about the Bible, and The Wesleyan Quadrilateral.