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. Contents Introduction Part 1 What Makes Christian Ethics Christian? The Bible Following Jesus Some Key Theological Themes Part 2 What Makes Christian Ethics Ethics? 4. Classical Roots 5. Modern Options 6. Contemporary Challenges Part 3 The Stuff of Christian Ethics 7. Baptism and Identity 8. Mercy and Peace 9. Justice from Above (Order) 10. Justice from Below (Liberation) 11. Sexuality 12. Vulnerable Life 13. Challenges Posed by Science and Technology