Exploring Christian Ethics

Talking about ethics tends to involve talking about what we should or, more often, shouldn't do. We talk about setting limits on actions that, for whatever reason, we think are either wrong or somehow harmful to ourselves or others. The aim of this book, however, is to explore Christian ethics within a wider, more positive framework - one that that views Christianity's moral resources as part of the good news that it proclaims to all creation. Ethics, says Hovey, need not be characterized primarily by negative prohibitions, limits, and tiresome hand-wringing. Rather, it's about a joyful and worshipful way of living, which flows naturally out of the abundant goodness God's life and character, as revealed in Jesus.ContentsIntroduction Part 1 What Makes Christian Ethics Christian?1. The Bible2. Following Jesus3. Some Key Theological Themes Part 2 What Makes Christian Ethics Ethics?4. Classical Roots5. Modern Options6. Contemporary Challenges Part 3 The Stuff of Christian Ethics7. Baptism and Identity8. Mercy and Peace9. Justice from Above (Order)10. Justice from Below (Liberation)11. Sexuality12. Vulnerable Life13. Challenges Posed by Science and Technology