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Ethics for a Brave New World
Abortion • Fetal Tissue Use • Euthanasia • Civil Disobedience • Divorce and Remarriage • Genetic Engineering and Screening • Artificial Insemination • Freezing Embryos • Cloning • Surrogate Motherhood • Homosexuality • Capital Punishment • Sexual Morality • Birth Control • Nuclear Arms • War “So much is changing today in regard to the control of life and death and the understanding of human sexuality, some may think it impossible to address these topics from a Christian perspective. We strongly disagree. Scripture sets forth enough principles that it is possible to evaluate contemporary practices in light of biblical teaching. Moreover, it is not only possible to address these matters biblically—it is mandatory to do so. As Christians we must speak to these topics.” (from Preface) Two respected theological spokesmen present here a carefully reasoned, thoroughly biblical discussion of basic ethical issues confronting church and society. An invaluable resource for all who desire to become better prepared to face and resolve the moral dilemmas of our day.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
69 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
John S. Feinberg
29 books17 followersJohn S. Feinberg (PhD, University of Chicago) is department chair and professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of Ethics for a Brave New World (with Paul D. Feinberg) and is general editor of Crossway’s Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 8, 2019
I am 23 years old.
I was born back in 1995, not 1996.
The one who is 23 years old is me, not my neighbor
I am 23 years, not pounds
I am 23 years old, not 24
This doesn’t mean that I am against being 24.
It just means that I am not yet 24 years old.
I’m also not saying that I wished I could be 22 again.
In summary, I am 23 years old.
Ok I exaggerated a bit. But you get my point. This. Book. Is. So. Tedious. 820 pages could have been reduced to 400.
Almost died.
Anyways, don’t kill babies and elderly, sick people, but go ahead and don’t feel guilty for killing those who “deserve it” and those who oppose your “right cause”.
I felt so messed up after reading his chapter (defense) on war. Couldn’t believe what he was doing with the sermon on the mount!!! Besides, no interaction with Yoder?!??
Oh, and he is quite heavy on Marva Dawn, in case you thought she was innerant, Ben
I was born back in 1995, not 1996.
The one who is 23 years old is me, not my neighbor
I am 23 years, not pounds
I am 23 years old, not 24
This doesn’t mean that I am against being 24.
It just means that I am not yet 24 years old.
I’m also not saying that I wished I could be 22 again.
In summary, I am 23 years old.
Ok I exaggerated a bit. But you get my point. This. Book. Is. So. Tedious. 820 pages could have been reduced to 400.
Almost died.
Anyways, don’t kill babies and elderly, sick people, but go ahead and don’t feel guilty for killing those who “deserve it” and those who oppose your “right cause”.
I felt so messed up after reading his chapter (defense) on war. Couldn’t believe what he was doing with the sermon on the mount!!! Besides, no interaction with Yoder?!??
Oh, and he is quite heavy on Marva Dawn, in case you thought she was innerant, Ben
June 16, 2023
This book is amazingly tedious. Really pushed me to think critically, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Also this was a required reading for my class but I’m counting it towards my reading challenge because I need the help
Also this was a required reading for my class but I’m counting it towards my reading challenge because I need the help
November 17, 2021
2021 reads: #49
Rating: 4 Stars
A comprehensive treatment of some of the major ethical issues of our time. This will be a valuable reference resource.
Rating: 4 Stars
A comprehensive treatment of some of the major ethical issues of our time. This will be a valuable reference resource.
January 10, 2019
I thought this book was awful. Tedious statistics, philosophical lenses on everything, spooky hermeneutic behind it. Let's just look at the texts. Lest not look at stats, philosophy, or anything that may seem relevant. God's Word is sufficient and doesn't need to be dragged down to the depths of a boring abyss for the sake of appeasing academia. This is the blandest driest textbook to ever cost me 15 dollars and endless hours of my short and precious life which i only have for using on things to serve the Lord and edify myself. This was a completely depressing waste of time. I hate this book. Read frames Christian Life instead. Or read Watson's exposition of tje decalogue. Read any reformed treatment of the decalogue actually it will do you far better
April 16, 2020
If you want to read an ethics textbook that continuously knocks down strawmen, makes dubious exegetical claims and creates conflicting, ad-hoc ethical standards, this is the book for you. As with most evangelical engagement with social issues, there is very little consistency in the book. Feinberg on the one hand denounces natural law theories regarding birth control, but then appeals to natural law against divorce. An ethicist reaches this contradiction by holding onto authority in divine command theory typical in evangelical circles. I agree with many of Feinberg’s positions, but I found his work tedious, reactionary and ultimately unhelpful.
June 9, 2020
The best way to describe this book is as extremely thoughtful and thorough. Some would simply consider it to be merely wordy and repetitive, and that’s understandable, however it is much better to think of this as an example of careful thinking that is much neglected in our time. I often found myself reading through a topic with what I thought was a burning question that would not be answered, only to find it addressed on the next paste. I did not find any stone left unturned, which is this books greatest strength.
However, it is a lot of push through, and perhaps the most unfortunate part about it is although it bears the title of “revised and updated” the reality is it still feels very old in the examples given, in statistics, and in the manner that key examples are addressed. I know some of this is unavoidable with how quickly our world and culture is moving, still I would have hoped much more fr an updated version.
Regardless, I’m very grateful for the time to carefully think through complex moral issues and I will be referencing the Finebergs work throughout my life. It is an excellent resource to have on the bookshelf.
However, it is a lot of push through, and perhaps the most unfortunate part about it is although it bears the title of “revised and updated” the reality is it still feels very old in the examples given, in statistics, and in the manner that key examples are addressed. I know some of this is unavoidable with how quickly our world and culture is moving, still I would have hoped much more fr an updated version.
Regardless, I’m very grateful for the time to carefully think through complex moral issues and I will be referencing the Finebergs work throughout my life. It is an excellent resource to have on the bookshelf.
March 7, 2023
There are some pretty good chapters that are helpful and formative for Christians and ministers. But there are multiple chapters that have outdated, incorrect, or misleading information (e.g. abortion procedures). I would recommend this for surveying an introduction to ethics and a summary of arguments for respective positions. Their hermeneutical leaning is very apparent throughout the book and will turn away many readers coming from the Reformed tradition.
October 21, 2025
Besides being an excruciating read, it lacks a coherent representation of biblical ethical principles and rather attempts to answer difficult ethical matters using a combination of philosophy, isolated biblical text proofs, and by its failure to describe just what exactly is the ethics of scripture; bogs itself down in repetition.
It's a discourse of options, information, and the lines drawn begin to seem arbitrary by the end of it.
It's a discourse of options, information, and the lines drawn begin to seem arbitrary by the end of it.
January 15, 2024
This was the best and most useful class I have taken in seminary to date.
Although this book is slightly outdated with the never ending change in statistics, it examined each issue thoroughly from varying angles and concluded with the biblical perspective of these modern day (yet classically depraved and human) debates.
Although this book is slightly outdated with the never ending change in statistics, it examined each issue thoroughly from varying angles and concluded with the biblical perspective of these modern day (yet classically depraved and human) debates.
August 30, 2017
Detailed and complex analysis of challenging ethical issues in current medical technology. This book with definitely stimulate your mind and help you to consider all facets of the issues at hand. Highly recommend for those with an interest in bio-ethics.
May 11, 2019
Great book utilized in Biblical Ethics course at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mostly helpful and very detailed books on relevant moral issues. A few outdated stats and “misinformation” due to outdated procedures and rationale.
June 27, 2019
It got a little tedious and became a slog to get through, but they had good points and it was organized enough that you could skim it and find their conclusions or go back to write a term paper or use as a piece of research. For a text book, that is about all you can ask for.
February 1, 2020
Really great read! It's more of a textbook but is very informative on what the Bible says on difficult topics
May 6, 2021
2.5
Read this for school. Had good nuggets here and there. I disagreed strongly with their views on applying God’s law.
Read this for school. Had good nuggets here and there. I disagreed strongly with their views on applying God’s law.
November 17, 2021
I don't agree with all of the Feinbergs' conclusions. A helpful, albeit occasionally tedious, resource.
May 3, 2022
Some theological disagreement from me from time to time, but overall the Feinbergs did well here.
December 28, 2020
From reading this I truly did learn a lot and now feel much more confident in my position on some complicated issues.
However, there were two main issues I had with the book. I felt that some of the authors' arguments were slightly weak or, as I found out from my professor, some of their research was wrong.
I also felt that someone in the "other camp" would read this and be frustrated at how the Feinbergs' portrayed their position. This, especially in an ethics debate, is a nonstarter.
It was helpful, but had its faults.
However, there were two main issues I had with the book. I felt that some of the authors' arguments were slightly weak or, as I found out from my professor, some of their research was wrong.
I also felt that someone in the "other camp" would read this and be frustrated at how the Feinbergs' portrayed their position. This, especially in an ethics debate, is a nonstarter.
It was helpful, but had its faults.
March 15, 2020
The content presented is a great read for ethical analysis on modern issues. The best part of this book is also the worst: It's easy to understand - BECAUSE IT REPEATS ITSELF CONSTANTLY. This book is while very simplistic, also very repetitive and tedious. Half the ethical scenarios present are almost there for filler content or to over simplify. Either way, while it makes a rough read, it definitely helps as a resource textbook.
October 28, 2012
Within our lifetimes developments in technology have brought staggering changes to the way people can be conceived, born, healed or die. And prospects for the future are as mind-boggling as what has already happened. Ethics intends to set forth what ought to be, not what is. But it should help us evaluate the rightness or wrongness of what is and tells us how to act in light of it. Unfortunately changes in what is in modern life have far outdistanced reflection upon how we ought to live in such a time. This seems to be especially true among Christian ethicists, though even secular ethicists disagree about how we should live in this changing world. Into this culture, Drs. Feinberg have written the 2nd edition of the classic Ethics For A Brave New World that addresses topics such as moral decision making and the Christian, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, birth control, homosexuality, genetic engineering, stem cell technology, divorce and remarriage, the Christian and war and the Christian and the secular state.
The authors take their queue not from secular philosophy but from the Word of God. Christians are commanded to love their neighbors. In fulfilling that obligation one will undoubtedly consider whether a specific act in a particular situation is just and benevolent to the neighbor-- to do so seems necessary in view of what it means to love someone. But what makes the loving act morally good is not that it is benevolent or just but that God commanded it. What makes an act an act of love is at least in part that it exemplifies benevolence and justice. What makes such a loving act moral is that it obeys God’s command to love. The authors contend that the “example of Christ ought to compel us. It is unthinkable that while on earth Christ never confronted a situation where two duties conflicted so as to make it impossible to do both. In fact Scripture says he was tempted in all points as we are (Heb. 4.15), and since we face such situations, he must have, too” (39). Since Christ was without sin as the God-man by the grace of God and through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit Christians living as sojourners in a sinful world as saints and sinners will confront moral decisions and through them develop a biblical worldview and increasingly reflect God and His glory by obeying God and His Word in an increasingly hostile and pagan culture.
Ethics For A Brave New World 2nd Edition is essential reading for anyone who wishes to engage the moral collapse of contemporary culture with truth of God's Word. Readers of this book will come away informed about the issues, conversant with the debates that swirl around these challenges, and equipped and inspired to engage them in a way that glorifies God. This will be a resource I turn to often whenever I’m writing or thinking through ethical issues. I highly recommend this book for Bible College, seminary students for use in their training for future ministry and for Pastors, Sunday school teachers and Professors as they prepare to engage an increasingly hostile culture and proclaim the truth of God’s Word to it.
Title: Ethics for a Brave New World, Second Edition (Updated and Expanded)
Authors: John S. Feinberg and Paul D. Feinberg
Publisher: Crossway Books (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The authors take their queue not from secular philosophy but from the Word of God. Christians are commanded to love their neighbors. In fulfilling that obligation one will undoubtedly consider whether a specific act in a particular situation is just and benevolent to the neighbor-- to do so seems necessary in view of what it means to love someone. But what makes the loving act morally good is not that it is benevolent or just but that God commanded it. What makes an act an act of love is at least in part that it exemplifies benevolence and justice. What makes such a loving act moral is that it obeys God’s command to love. The authors contend that the “example of Christ ought to compel us. It is unthinkable that while on earth Christ never confronted a situation where two duties conflicted so as to make it impossible to do both. In fact Scripture says he was tempted in all points as we are (Heb. 4.15), and since we face such situations, he must have, too” (39). Since Christ was without sin as the God-man by the grace of God and through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit Christians living as sojourners in a sinful world as saints and sinners will confront moral decisions and through them develop a biblical worldview and increasingly reflect God and His glory by obeying God and His Word in an increasingly hostile and pagan culture.
Ethics For A Brave New World 2nd Edition is essential reading for anyone who wishes to engage the moral collapse of contemporary culture with truth of God's Word. Readers of this book will come away informed about the issues, conversant with the debates that swirl around these challenges, and equipped and inspired to engage them in a way that glorifies God. This will be a resource I turn to often whenever I’m writing or thinking through ethical issues. I highly recommend this book for Bible College, seminary students for use in their training for future ministry and for Pastors, Sunday school teachers and Professors as they prepare to engage an increasingly hostile culture and proclaim the truth of God’s Word to it.
Title: Ethics for a Brave New World, Second Edition (Updated and Expanded)
Authors: John S. Feinberg and Paul D. Feinberg
Publisher: Crossway Books (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 5, 2014
This is a large book very intimidating. however I just started reading tonight and learned much so far its a good academic book.
excerpt from the book:
"What makes good acts good and evil acts evil? If Nazi soldiers ask if I am
hiding Jews in my attic, is it immoral to lie in order to safeguard those I
am protecting? How do I know my moral rules are correct? How would
I prove that Christian ethics are binding on non-Christians?
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Language
Descriptive language tells what is the case and what is done. Prescriptive
language commands what ought to be done; it sets forth moral obligation.
Prescriptive language includes terms such as “must,” “should,” and
“ought.” Prescriptions are often stated in the imperative mood (e.g., “thou
shalt not steal”). Descriptive language includes terms such as “is,” “had,”
and “happened.” When descriptive language is used, the intent is not normally
to make moral judgments or commands".
excerpt from the book:
"What makes good acts good and evil acts evil? If Nazi soldiers ask if I am
hiding Jews in my attic, is it immoral to lie in order to safeguard those I
am protecting? How do I know my moral rules are correct? How would
I prove that Christian ethics are binding on non-Christians?
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Language
Descriptive language tells what is the case and what is done. Prescriptive
language commands what ought to be done; it sets forth moral obligation.
Prescriptive language includes terms such as “must,” “should,” and
“ought.” Prescriptions are often stated in the imperative mood (e.g., “thou
shalt not steal”). Descriptive language includes terms such as “is,” “had,”
and “happened.” When descriptive language is used, the intent is not normally
to make moral judgments or commands".
May 14, 2013
Clear, comprehensive. Although edited in 1998, but the ethical principles it discusses remains relevant, and the Biblical principles all the more so. The structure of the book, with its discussion on various arguments raised and the Biblical worldview towards the issues provides a very clear comparison. It is certain that there are no easy answers to such ethical issues/questions, but Feinburg points the way to resolve them.
I would recommend reading this book with other materials/references to get a more thorough and comprehensive view, especially where science/medicine has been advancing so rapidly.
I would recommend reading this book with other materials/references to get a more thorough and comprehensive view, especially where science/medicine has been advancing so rapidly.
March 21, 2015
Very nuanced thinking and very well written. This is a painstakingly researched book on a variety of very difficult and complex topics that is, and I mean this in the best way, not afraid to split hairs. A fine display of rigorous thinking communicated in a relatively easy to read style. I did not read every topic, but I did read most, and I will certainly refer back to this book from time to time.
November 20, 2014
Read this for a college credit class in high school this past semester.
I loved our super interesting class discussions/debates. haha! The book was easy to track with, even though the size is nothing to laugh at.
I loved our super interesting class discussions/debates. haha! The book was easy to track with, even though the size is nothing to laugh at.
December 29, 2015
Clunky prose, but the Feinbergs examine massive amounts of data and numbers of arguments and bring their typical analytical rigor to the task of moral theology. While I don't agree with them on all issues, I always come away feeling clearer in my understanding of the pertinent issues.
January 14, 2012
Very helpful as a reference. Tiresome to read through, though.
October 9, 2012
Good book on Christian ethics.
September 28, 2015
One of the best books I've read..gives clarity and biblical perspective to modern and longtime issues. I read every page and keep it for reference. Right now..death penalty
December 22, 2015
Fienberg goes into the list of ethically issues so well. He present the various viewpoints fairly and thoroughly and explains his own viewpoints very professionally.
April 14, 2016
Read ch 1-4 and then 7,8 in the new version
January 6, 2025
Helpful insight on some topics, but very narrow view of ethics and what the Christian perspective should be
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews