From drone warfare to gay marriage, the modern world is full of ethical conundrums stemming from amazing technological advances and dramatic cultural shifts. Challenging the relativism common to our society today, C. Ben Mitchell helps us thoughtfully engage our morally confused world in this introduction to ethics from a distinctly Christian perspective. Drawing on insights from key historical figures and modern Christian ethicists such as Stanley Hauerwas and N. T. Wright, this book will help you embrace a holistic approach to moral reasoning that is founded on Scripture and informed by history.
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“Another problem with the relativist argument is that moral error is not possible if relativism is true.” (Page 28)
“Finally, relativism fails to distinguish between moral practices and the values that underwrite them” (Page 29)
“The second premise of the argument for normative ethical relativism is the dependency thesis, which holds that morality depends on human nature, the human condition, or specific sociocultural circumstances, or a combination of all three.” (Page 25)
“Hospers suggested that one problem with relativism is its claim that what is right in one group is wrong in another. As it turns out, observed Hospers, we are part of multiple groups.” (Page 28)
“The diversity thesis is that notions of right and wrong differ from person to person and culture to culture.” (Page 24)
I cannot think of a subject more important to this generation than ethics; and no person better to treat it than C. Ben Mitchell. I’m very happy to recommend this welcome and important volume.
—Eric Metaxas, New York Timesbest-selling author, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
In a world filled with test tube babies, living wills, and drone warfare, Christian ethics can seem like quicksilver, with positions irrelevant almost as soon as they are articulated due to fast-changing circumstances. This book demonstrates why and how every believer is called to Christ-conformed ethical reasoning. C. Ben Mitchell, one of the most significant Christian ethicists of our age, shares C. S. Lewis’s gift for communicating complex issues in easily understood terms. This book brims with insight that transcends the ethical squabbles of any given moment. Most importantly, this book shows us how to be moral without surrendering to mere moralism by rooting and grounding our ethics in the gospel that saves.
—Russell D. Moore, president, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission