Exploring Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Key Methods and Debates

by Craig Hovey

Publisher:

SPCK

, 2018

Overview

Studying Christian ethics tends to involve talking about what we should or, more often, shouldn’t do. The aim of this book, however, is to explore Christian ethics within a wider, more positive framework—one that encourages a joyful way of living that flows naturally out of the abundant goodness of God’s life and character, as revealed in Christ.

Key Features

• Presents Christian ethics as an essential part of the good news
• Explores the value of Christian ethics
• Examines how Christians think about a wide range of contemporary moral questions

Contents

Part 1: What Makes Christian Ethics Christian?

• The Bible
• Following Jesus
• Some Key Theological Themes

Part 2: What Makes Christian Ethics Ethics?

• Classical Roots
• Modern Options
• Contemporary Challenges

Part 3: The Stuff of Christian Ethics

• Baptism and Identity
• Mercy and Peace
• Justice from Above (Order)
• Justice from Below (Liberation)
• Sexuality
• Vulnerable Life
• Challenges Posed by Science and Technology

Praise for the Print Edition

In this refreshing and at times exhilarating exploration, Craig Hovey portrays Christian ethics as the discovery of what is made possible because Christ is born, has died, is risen and will come again. In doing so, he dismantles the popular perception of Christianity as a catalogue of prohibitions and opens out a vista of promise, purpose and potential.

—The Revd Dr. Samuel Wells, Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London

A succinct and thoughtful account of Christian belief and practice, demonstrating their integral relationship to each other and showing how some of the key ethical dilemmas troubling contemporary society may be seen in their light.

—Dr. Susan Parsons, Editor of Studies in Christian Ethics

Craig Hovey draws on a wider variety of sources, texts and traditions, and delves into more intricacies of history, philosophy and doctrine, than most introductory ethics books would dare attempt, yet he does so in a way that is unfailingly accessible and clear. The dexterity with which he draws the reader into complexity without obscurity is a gift to students and teachers alike.

—Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, Tutor in Theology and Ethics, Westcott House, University of Cambridge

Product Details

• Title: Exploring Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Key Methods and Debates
• Author: Craig Hovey
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 320
• Resource Type: Introduction
• Topic: Ethics

About Craig Hovey

Craig Hovey is Associate Professor of Religion and Director of the Ashland Center for Nonviolence at Ashland University Ohio.