Readings in Christian Ethics: A Historical Sourcebook

by J. Philip Wogaman (Editor), Douglas M. Strong (Editor)

Readings in Christian Ethics presents in one volume the most consequential ethical writings from the earliest days of Christianity through the late twentieth century. Introductory material for each selection is provided to help set each piece in its proper historical and social context.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Christian

388 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[William Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read selections from this for school.

For a sourcebook, I’d prefer Beach and Niehbuhr’s Christian Ethics, due to the contextual material. But Wogaman and Strong cover far more ground. Both are very helpful

[Philip Barbier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text provides short section from a wide range of Cristian ethical documents spanning from the late 1st century C.E. to the late 20th century C.E. It does a good job of showing the changes in how Christian theologians engaged ethical issues.

[Michael Burchfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strength of this book is that it surveys ethical thought from early Christinaity to the modern era, starting with Clement (ca. 96 A.D.) and ends with Yoder and Haring (ca 1990 +/-). This, in my opinion, is also the books weakness in that it does not present a particular system of ethics that a 21st century Christian might follow. Very informative however.

[Werner Fourie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wogaman and Strong provide a very thorough overview of different writings that make up much of what we understand of Christian ethics today. It is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in the field.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine collection of Christian primary sources ranging from the 1st century to the present. The layout is similar to Bettenson's "Documents of the Christian Church" with the major difference being the distinctive collection of ethical treatises throughout church history.

[Alex Tupper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good range of ideas that challeged me and got me to think through things I had never thought about before.

[Aaron Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most engaging writings came from Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King Jr., though Luther and Calvin were helpful.

[Cole Michaels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read chapters 1-7, 11, 14-15, 20, 24-25, 28, 31, 34, 39-42, 50, 54-55, 57, 60-61, 64-66, and 68-68.

A good resources book with a mix of helpful and not helpful.