Excerpt from Christian Ethics: Special Part; First Division: Individual Ethics Here, as regards many points, a difference of individual views and judgments will scarcely be avoidable. And yet one must either abstain from writing a special Ethic, extending also over social conditions, or one must - which it is true many disapprove who in these questions are not willingly embarrassed by the Ethical - enter upon the moveable, changeable side of the moral world, must discuss questions of the day, which though of a composite and mixed nature, yet in every case have an ethical side that must get justice, and for the fundamental examination of which no other place can be pointed out but just Ethics. But the last problem of special Ethics must surely be this: by means of the contemplation of the alterable and changeable to lead to a more fundamental knowledge, a deeper founding of the unchangeable, to promote the consciousness of that which remains the same in every sphere of life, alike yesterday, to-day, and to-morrow, the same with its blessings, but also with its requirements, not only of individuals but also of peoples. That the present writing may quietly co-operate to the establishment of this one imperishable thing in sentiment and mode of thought, is what I wish most of all. There are added an Index of things and names to the whole work, as well as a list of the passages of Scripture occasionally discussed. This addition will, as I suppose, be not unwelcome to our readers. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This book introduces Christian ethics from a theological perspective. Philip Turner, widely recognized as a leading expert in the field, explores the intersection of moral theology and ecclesiology, arguing that the focus of Christian ethics should not be personal holiness or social reform but the common life of the church. A theology of moral thought and practice must take its cues from the notion that human beings, upon salvation, are redeemed and called into a life oriented around the community of the church. This book distills a senior scholar's life work and will be valued by students of Christian ethics, theology, and ecclesiology.

The student, church staff person layperson, or professional ethicist searching for an introduction to contemporary ethical issues that is substantive enough for class room use yet functionally oriented toward the local church will find Understanding Christian Ethics invaluable.

Is there a special relation between religious beliefs and moral behavior? In particular, is there a distinctive Christian moral character and how is this manifested in moral actions? The influential theologian James M. Gustafson probes these questions and offers an analysis of the distinctively religious reasons of the "heart and mind" which constitute the basis for a Christian ethics. Professor Gustafson grounds his discussion in a concrete example of moral conduct which deeply impressed him. The incident—narrated in detail at the start and referred to throughout—concerns a nonreligious colleague who came to the aid of an intoxicated soldier. Although seemingly trivial, this incident, in the author's view, approximates the normal sorts of experiences in which individuals have to make moral decisions every day; it becomes a touchstone to investigate the logical, social, and religious elements in moral decision making.

An intelligent discussion of the foundations and methods in ethics and ways to apply a Christian worldview to our secular culture.