Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options

This book, and its author, are gold! If you are concerned with, want/need to know more about biblical ethics, this is the book to buy! I am obsessed with this one. I have been studying biblical ethics as part of the MDIV program at my University for the past 8 weeks. This was required and is the best required book I have bought in a long time. Geisler is clear, concise, and accurate in his examination of ethical systems and what God has to say about them. Differing systems are provided to help his reader wade through the many options and opinions on biblical morals and their applications. He examines differing ethical systems with ease throughout this book. His empahses placed on the Word is appreciated. I cannot say enough about this book. I am in love with it and will use it until a new copy is required!

Bible study

I bought this title as I wanted a good introductory book that summarized, organised and evaluated a range of ethical systems from a Christian viewpoint, as well as exploring some current topics.In short, the book does introduce the reader to the major ethical approaches with some good analysis of each, but considering the price point, I expected more. It is divided into two main sections, the first looks at major ethical positions as moral systems, the second half looks at a range of moral issues.By far the first half is the most interesting, especially if you have been one grappling with how to determine right from wrong in a world of conflicting values, greys and moral dilemmas. Perhaps most helpful is the chapter describing the ethical position of Graded Absolutism, which I found is the name given for the moral position I arrived at by chance through the University of life. This position states that there is a gradiation of absolute moral principles, which means that at times one must break a lower moral principle in order to keep a higher one, (such as Corrie Ten Boom lying to save Jews from the Nazis). However this needed to be explored more deeply and a complete or even partially complete hierarchy of moral principles was not presented (unless i missed something??).I found this all really interesting, but would also like to have seen a diagram and further description to tie it all together in a more complete way as there are overlapping truths in each system.The second half of the book examines a range of ethical issues such as homosexuality, immoral sex, abortion, the environment etc. What it lacks is much of a connection to the first section of the book. The book bangs on from a traditional Christian view point, - even using a range of unqualified secular arguments to try an prove its position. By this I mean that a range of social ills were ascribed as the result of certain practices with little or no evidence, carefully selected examples were given to prove a viewpoint, and very few scientific studies cited. Material was presented as if social science has proved these things beyond doubt with no statistics, with no confidence level or other detail. It was not clear if these lines of argument were examples of particular ethical lines of reasoning to approach moral questions or just poor literature?To its credit, the book does examine alternate readings of scripture that have been strung together to produce vastly different viewpoints on the issues, however I felt that the author sometimes seemed to 'overdo' the orthodox position that he so obviously agreed with, especially on matters that probably are debatable. Perhaps this is the reason so much other material was included - to try and strengthen a weak case.To put it bluntly I was really disappointed with the second half of the book, what it needed to do was to examine each issue in terms of the 6 ethical systems, or even the preferred system of Graded Absolutism. However it seemed rather more like a proof texting exercise. This does not mean that the position stated is right or wrong, just that it should have been a totally separate book.

Of course I had to purchase this book for class, but it will definitely by part of my library...brought out some interesting information...found it was long-winded for some topics, yet, learned something new to apply to a Christian's life. I would buy for a friend.

Norman Geisler does a great job of presenting various different philosophies and worldviews. Here, the reader will find the worldviews of Secular Humanism, Darwinian Evolution, Antinomianism, Situationism, Generalism, Unqualified Absolutism, and Conflicting Absolutism. The author addresses how these views affect one's basis for ethical decisions. The author then goes on to tackle abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, biomedical issues, capital punishment, war, sexuality, marriage, divorce, ecology, and animal rights. He presents fundamental biblical based answers to these issues. This book is ideal for any Christian who desires to go deeper in their understanding of current issues from a biblical worldview. It is not "lite" reading; however, it is very logical. Geisler presents in a systematic way which provides academic building blocks for the next point he makes and the conclusions he draws. I would recommend this book for any Christian who desires to give a reasonable defense of the Faith--being always ready to give an answer for the hope within.

Dr. Geisler's work is exceptionally well-researched, well-documented and well-written. His arguments are both powerfully supported and rationally coherent.While his detailed, in-depth analyses of complex issues, and his introduction of numerous, abstruse concepts (such as emotivism, reconstructionism, selectivism and solipsism) might render the book more appropriate as a university textbook for use at the graduate, if not the undergraduate level, it nevertheless commends itself as an exceptional resource for those readers seeking a thorough, comprehensive, and up-to-date reference in the field of Christian ethics.As arguably the most reasoned, comprehensive and authoritative, general text on Christian ethics to date, it speaks extensively to the world's current state of rampant and callous depravity. Thus it deserves a prominent place in the library of every serious student of Christian ethics, apologetics or theology.

Interesting read. He definitely loves the Lord as his God, and he has definitely been blessed with intelligence. That being said, make sure you are reading this in context, and make sure you fact check the things he says in Biblical context. Somethings are clearly written based on his opinion, and not necessarily based completely on truth of Scripture, or even sound argument.

I don't know if I would have purchased this on my own but its a requirement for Bible College, can get confusing but not because of the book or author, simply because of the content. Once I re-read it makes more sense in some areas.

Really good book, and worthy to buy. Help readers to understand more about Christian Ethics. Good for reference.

Great book.

Absolutely fantastic, came on time.Quality of book is brand new, even though it said second hand.Very pleased.

It was bought for my mum for her school project. I think it was useful to her

A simple and helpful book that does a good job of presenting arguments but it defintely leans heavily in favour of certain things (but that’s because he argues for it as the most valid point).As a Youth Pastor it has helped me prep for debate lessons for my high school students and I would recommend it.