An Intelligent Person's Guide to Christian Ethics

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In this concise and lucid book, Alban McCoy considers the fundamental principles of morality in a Christian context. Starting from the widespread phenomenon of seemingly insuperable disagreement in discussion of the most basic moral issues, he locates the root cause of such disagreement in confusion about the essential nature of morality as such. What distinguishes a moral judgement from an historical or scientific judgment Which considerations are relevant to moral issues as opposed to questions of a pragmatic or practical importance What resources are available to us when weighing moral matters Various critiques of morality such as amoralism, determinism, subjectivism and cultural relativism, as well as different moral theories such as utilitarianism and absolutism are considered and found wanting. At the heart of the book, McCoy offers a rational account of morality rooted in virtue and character and human flourishing. He then sets this in a Christian context in order to show what difference Christian revelation makes to our understanding of morality. Writing clearly and without jargon, McCoy provides the non-specialist reader with a stimulating discussion of the fundamental concepts we employ in everyday consideration of moral questions. He manages to render difficult matters intelligible without oversimplification and his book will appeal to anybody interested in finding a way through the moral maze and to students of philosophy embarking on a study of ethics.

Reviews

"For a world confused about conscience, freedom and morality, this book provides a concise guide to Christian ethics for intelligent people. This neat little book lives up to its title." Reviewed by Dan Kroger in St. Anthony Messenger, January 2007
'...useful short chapters introduce basic ideas about freedom, amorality, conscience, cultura relativism and the like beofre discussing some of the main ethical thinkers and theories...all in all, some good insights into varying viewpoints and it gave me another perspective.' Volume 22, Number 3 -- Peter Ballantine * ANVIL *
'This book offers a clearly written and accessible account of moral philosophy, and concludes with a spirited defence of natural law, virtue ethics, and Aquinas.' Canon Robin Gill, Michael Romsey Professor of Modern Theology at the University of Kent, in Church Times. * Blurb from reviewer *

Author Bio

Alban McCoy, O.F.M., Conv. is a Franciscan, the Catholic Chaplain at the University of Cambridge, Lecturer in Theology at Allen Hall, and Literary Editor for The Tablet.