Continuing the unbroken conversation on ethics that has endured across the Christian generations, David Oki Ahearn and Peter R. Gathje present Doing Right and Being Good. For Ahearn and Gathje, ethics is the critical reflection on morality, focusing on our beliefs, our practices, our held values.
In addition to the book's wide-reaching selected readings, Ahearn and Gathje offer introductions to each chapter which provide extensive overviews and establish contexts for moral issues over which sincere Christians differ.
The authors examine two broad understandings of ethics: that of doing right (understanding the difference between right and wrong) and being good (specific personal traits). Acknowledging a shared history between Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions, this book takes both historical and ecumenical approaches to ethics.
Engaging, and informational, Doing Right and Being Good aims at providing constructive reflection and dialogue to all readers, regardless of background.
Chapters are: "The Moral Person," "Sources of Christian Ethics," "Interpretations of Love and Justice," "Marriage, Family, and Sexuality," "Political Life and the Problem of Violence," "Stewardship: Work, Property, and the Environment," "Christian Love at the Margins of Life."
David Oki Ahearn, PhD, an ordained member of the United Methodist Clergy, serves as associate professor of religion and philosophy, as well as chair of the division of humanities and social sciences at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia.
Peter Gathje, PhD, is associate professor of religion at Christian Brothers University, in Memphis. He also serves as chair for the department of religion and philosophy, director of De Lasalle Center for Teaching and Religion, and director of the peace studies program.
Table of Contents:
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction ix
Chapter One: The Moral Person
Introduction 1
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 4
2. Thomas Aquinas, Selections from the Summa Theologiae 5
3. Martin Luther, Concerning Christian Liberty 11
4. Peter R. Gathje, “A Christian Vision of Life” 18
5. Stanley Hauerwas, “Peacemaking: the Virtue of the Church” 25
Chapter Two: Sources of Christian Ethics
Introduction 33
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 39
2. Walter Brueggemann, “Biblical Authority” 39
3. Thomas Aquinas, Selections from the Summa Theologiae 47
4. Lord John Habgood, “Science and Ethics” 54
5. Rosemary Radford Ruether, “Women’s Experience and Historical Tradition” 58
Chapter Three: Interpretations of Love and Justice
Introduction 64
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 70
2. Augustine of Hippo, On Christian Doctrine 71
3. Christine E. Gudorf, “Parenting, Mutual Love, and Sacrifice” 78
4. Lewis B. Smedes, “How Do Love and Justice Work Together?” 86
5. Douglas Sturm, “On Meanings of Justice” 89
Chapter Four: Marriage, Family, and Sexuality
Introduction 101
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 110
2. Augustine of Hippo, The Good of Marriage 111
3. Pope John Paul II, “Apostolic Exhortation on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World” 118
4. Sally B. Purvis, “A Common Love: Christian Feminist Ethics and the Family” 127
5. Luke Timothy Johnson, “Disputed Questions: Debate and Discernment, Scripture and the Spirit” 138
6. Karen Lebacqz, “Appropriate Vulnerability: A Sexual Ethic for Singles?” 143
Chapter Five: Political Life and the Problem of Violence
Introduction 150
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 155
2. David Oki Ahearn and Peter Gathje, “A Typology of Christian Responses to War and Violence: Pacifism, Just War, and the Crusade” 157
3. Tertullian, Apology 162
4. Augustine of Hippo, The City of God; Letter to Marcellinus 166
5. Bernard of Clairvaux, In Praise of the New Knighthood 173
6. Paul Ramsey, “Justice in War” 176
7. Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter from Birmingham City Jail” 182
Chapter Six: Stewardship: Work, Property, and the Environment
Introduction 195
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 202
2. Thomas Aquinas, Selections from the Summa Theologiae 203
3. John Wesley, “The Use of Money” 206
4. U.S. Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy 213
5. Gustavo Gutierrez, “The Biblical Meaning of Poverty” 223
6. Rosemary Radford Ruether, “Ecofeminism and Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth” 232
Chapter Seven: Christian Love at the Margins of Life
Introduction 241
Readings
1. Biblical Foundations 247
2. David Gushee, “The Consistent Ethic of Life” 248
3. Beverly Wildung Harrison, “A Theology of Pro-Choice: A Feminist Perspective on Abortion” 256
4. Sidney Callahan, “Abortion and the Sexual Agenda” 263
5. Gilbert Meilaender, “Euthanasia and Christian Vision” 274
Scripture Index 285
Index of Persons and Subjects 286
About the Author :
David Oki Ahearn, PhD, an ordained member of the United Methodist Clergy, serves as associate professor of religion and philosophy, as well as chair of the division of humanities and social sciences at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. Peter Gathje, PhD, is associate professor of religion at Christian Brothers University, in Memphis. He also serves as chair for the department of religion and philosophy, director of De Lasalle Center for Teaching and Religion, and director of the peace studies program.
Review :
. . . an excellent primer for Christian ethics. Catholic Studies An Online Journal
This volume is an excellent tool for learning about the commonalities and distinctions between traditionally Roman Catholic and Protestant approaches to Christian ethics. Catholic Library World
Highly recommended especially for religious studies students focusing on Christian Ethics. The Midwest Book Review
Views on ethics cannot be considered light reading, but the editors of this work have employed design and language that bring the issues into clear focus. Carol Blank, Writing Works, Columbia, Maryland
An excellent anthology for ethics students that draws together diverse, illuminating, and engaging readings from many strands of the Christian tradition. Ahearn and Gathje provide valuable background commentary to situate the various arguments and substantive excerpts. Christine D. Pohl, Professor of Christian Social Ethics, Asbury Theological Seminary
By skillful use of excerpts from many excellent sources, the authors help us to penetrate and appreciate a wide range of both Catholic and Protestant approaches to ethical reasoning. In a most insightful and engaging way, this volume leads students of Christian ethics through the contours of this complex field. I expect instructors of ethics courses at all levels to make good use of this valuable resource for years to come. Thomas Massaro, S.J
