Christian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed - (Guides for the Perplexed) by Victor Lee Austin (Paperback)

About the Book

The book aims to answer key questions that students and the general reader may have about Christian ethics.

Book Synopsis

Christian ethics is a most perplexing subject. This Guide takes the reader through the most fundamental issues surrounding the question of Ethics from a Christian perspective: Is ethics a meaningful topic of discourse and can there be such a thing as an ethical argument or ethical persuasion? What is the meaning of the adjective in "Christian Ethics"?Could right behavior be different for Christians than it is for others? Can we turn to the Bible for help? Does the Bible tell us what to do, or give us insight into the good we should aim to achieve, or give us a narrative by which to live? Is it best to think of ethics as a matter of duty, or good, or excellence? If we take the virtue line and say that ethics is about human excellence, doing well as a human being or succeeding at being a good human being then what will we say about humans who cannot achieve excellence? The virtue approach leads us to place friendship as the goal of ethics.

Review Quotes

"With glad and generous confidence in the distinction of Christian ethics, Austin guides his readers into this subject. The simplicity and clarity of his style hold many points for deeper thoughtful reflection, and one senses too, for the reader to be moved towards a fuller humanity through what is absorbed here." --Susan F. Parsons, Studies in Christian Ethics

"This timely book ... appears in the famous book series 'Guides for the Perplexed', which always include essays of high level and incontestable quality. In sum, Austin's Christian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed is an excellent book that can be appreciated as well by ethicists and non-scholars as well." --Theological Book Review

"How does one write an introductory text without being overly reductive, on the one hand, or unnecessarily bogging down the reader with finer points, on the other? Victor Lee Austin admirably navigates between these twin pitfalls in this useful and concise volume ... Austin writes clearly and cogently with an eye towards the practical and pedagogical ... [A]n accessible introduction for the beginner in Christian ethics or Catholic moral theology." --Travis Pickell University of Virginia, USA, Theology

"Our goal in life is to become as fully human as God would like us to be... For those of you who want to try to live a more fully human life and to understand the purpose of Christian ethics, I do recommend this book." --Robert Kent, Today's American Catholic

"Provides a fine approach to Christian ethics and reviews the Christian moral life, using many biblical references to chart the evolution and meaning of Christian thoughts on justice, how to succeed as a human being, and more. Philosophy and theology blend in a fine story packed with insights and perfect for collections strong in scholarly assessments of Christian belief based on a blend of analysis and Biblical passages" --James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

"'Austin's Guide is a rare combination: a broad, sophisticated introduction to the vast universe of Christian ethics, but one that is energized by a constant stream of engaging prose and arresting examples. The text is even-handed and truly comprehensive in its scope, avoiding privileging any one school of ethics. And Austin's eye for the extraordinary in the ordinary shines especially in the final chapters on the moral challenges of friendship and disability.' - David Cloutier, Mount St. Mary's University, USA." --David Cloutier

"'Austin has done a great service for the "perplexed" by offering an accessible, conversational, and cogent introduction to Christian ethics. The text is comprehensive and simple, without at all being simplistic. Those knowledgeable in the field will discern how carefully Austin presents Christian ethics, in a manner informed by - even if not weighed down by - current scholarship. Those unaware of such research can trust they encounter in this book a reliable and trustworthy guide to the Christian moral life, a true scholar who invites his readers to understand the Christian life as not only accessible (through terms like friendship and good sense) but also as attractive and vivifying.' - William C. Mattison III, The Catholic University of America, USA." --William C. Mattison III

"Austin's guide is valuable for its opening chapters and could be a good starting point for a study of Christian ethics as virtue ethics." --Cathriona Russell, Trinity College, Dublin, Modern Believing

About the Author

The Reverend Victor Lee Austin, Ph.D., is Theologian-in-residence at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. He is the author of scholarly articles in political theology, ecclesiology, and social ethics, as well as a book of theological meditations on everyday life, A Priest's Journal.