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Doing the Right Thing: Making Moral Choices in a World Full of Options
Ethicist Scott B. Rae expands on Charles Colson's Doing the Right Thing video-based study with a hard-hitting book that diagnoses society's ethical failures in plain language and points to a better way forward---one that can aid you not just in knowing what is good, but also in bringing about good in your own life and in society.
- GenresPhilosophy
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
12 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Scott B. Rae
30 books8 followersSCOTT RAE, Ph.D., is professor of Christian ethics and chair of the philosophy of religion and ethics department at Talbot School of Theology. He's written six books, including Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics and Beyond Integrity: a Judeo-Christian Approach to Business Ethics.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 26, 2013
Doing the Right Thing: Making Moral Choices in a World Full of Options by Scott B. Rae is a timely book dedicated to the memory of Chuck Colson, who has been at the forefront of the battle against the moral relativism that saps the vital energy of our culture. The book offers powerful insights to make the correct and right moral choices, and do the needful in a culture that had been ravaged by moral decay.
Doing the Right Thing is intended to be a companion book to the film series by the same name produced by Chuck Colson. Containing six short chapters, the first, “We’re in an Ethical Mess!” is an attempt to answer the question, how did we get into this ethical mess? The second chapter “Is There a Moral Law We Can Know?” brings out the foundational ideas of the book. The third chapter “If We Know What’s Right, Can We Do It?” is an important question which needs an answer. The fourth chapter “What Does It Mean To Be Human?” takes a look at ethics in medicine and health. And the fifth and sixth chapters “Ethics in the Marketplace” and “Ethics in Public Life” deal with the subjects as their titles suggest.
A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon the world, says the French existentialist philosopher Albert Camus. From a Christian worldview, the motive for living a good life has more depth, to be worthy of the calling to which we have been called, to be worthy of God, and to be worthy of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made on the cross.
Doing the Right Thing is intended to be a companion book to the film series by the same name produced by Chuck Colson. Containing six short chapters, the first, “We’re in an Ethical Mess!” is an attempt to answer the question, how did we get into this ethical mess? The second chapter “Is There a Moral Law We Can Know?” brings out the foundational ideas of the book. The third chapter “If We Know What’s Right, Can We Do It?” is an important question which needs an answer. The fourth chapter “What Does It Mean To Be Human?” takes a look at ethics in medicine and health. And the fifth and sixth chapters “Ethics in the Marketplace” and “Ethics in Public Life” deal with the subjects as their titles suggest.
A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon the world, says the French existentialist philosopher Albert Camus. From a Christian worldview, the motive for living a good life has more depth, to be worthy of the calling to which we have been called, to be worthy of God, and to be worthy of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made on the cross.
March 27, 2014
Doing the Right Thing: Making Moral Choices in a World Full of Options by Scott B. Rae
Based upon the film series by Chuch Colson, Doing the Right Thing by Professor of Christian Ethics Scott B. Rae of Biola University, is a rush of fresh air through the issues of medicine, marketplace, and public life. The book is short and succinct but chalk full of insightful wisdom on the major issues that we face today. Rather than virulently stay away from the tough questions that cultural critics ask about Christianity, Scott answers these objections head on with honesty and transparency. Lifting up the truth of God’s Word, sound logical principles, and a desire to see human flourishing as part of the goal of life, Scott is well equipped to give us very good answers to our questions, from outside and within the walls of the church.
In the first chapter Scott draws out the ethical mess we find ourselves in by relating the simultaneous views of considering some things are absolutely wrong while wanting to hold that morality is relative. Murder, incest, rape are absolutely wrong but don’t mention abortion or gay rights, these are off the table in the realm of right and wrong. Feelings and opinions are the moral arbiter of truth rather than some fixed standard of morals. (25-26) In contrast to the prevailing notion that morals are incidental and only personal feelings of the individual, Scott puts forth a view that for a Christian worldview ethics are both universal and knowable (34-35). At all times and in all places, Christian ethics are right independent of cultural norms, values, and tastes. Furthermore, Christian ethics are knowable by virtue of God’s Word and being his image bearers. God has revealed his will for ethical, moral, and personal living, not just one area of life. Even through the fall of man has bent humanity in the direction of sin and evil, man retains the vestiges of the image of God in his understanding of justice, rationality, and right and wrong. By creation and revelation, God has not left man in a state of confusion regarding his vision for ethical living.
Scott asks great questions in this book. One of those questions is, “Can objective morality be adequately grounded apart from God existing?” (57) I applaud Scott’s sincere honesty in saying that people can live a moral life without respect for God. Yet, this begs the question about objective morality. Without reference to a Divine lawgiver, how do we speak objectively about morality, right and wrong? Scott is right to propose that in a naturalistic worldview, objective morality is impossible to debate because there is no foundational binding position on issues, just preferences and opinions. I would also add here that the question can be reframed in terms of trust; without reference to God as providing moral objective foundations, whose voice are we going to trust when looking to make ethical decisions and why? In some parts of the world, morality is guided by the loudest or most violent voice through coercion and manipulation. But, for the Christian believer, ethics are founded upon the objective Word of God, his revelation of himself, and the image of God that we have been created with.
I find myself applauding Scott’s work here in the numerous examples he provides. In one case, he makes the point that, “what constitutes a human person is not fundamentally a scientific question but a philosophical one.” (104) Science can tell us what constitutes a human being by discussing how the body works, but it cannot tell us fundamentally what a person is morally. The scientist in the debate with Scott conceded this point to Scott’s credit, yet he also maintained that if science can’t answer it, then it’s all an opinion of an individual. The scientist is trapped in his own worldview that outside of scientific explanations no solid answer is to be found.
I really enjoyed this book. With plenty of real life examples and solid logic, Scott gets us to think how a Christian ethical viewpoint radically shapes how we view the world, and in turn how we act in the world.
Thanks to Zondervan and Book Look Bloggers for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Based upon the film series by Chuch Colson, Doing the Right Thing by Professor of Christian Ethics Scott B. Rae of Biola University, is a rush of fresh air through the issues of medicine, marketplace, and public life. The book is short and succinct but chalk full of insightful wisdom on the major issues that we face today. Rather than virulently stay away from the tough questions that cultural critics ask about Christianity, Scott answers these objections head on with honesty and transparency. Lifting up the truth of God’s Word, sound logical principles, and a desire to see human flourishing as part of the goal of life, Scott is well equipped to give us very good answers to our questions, from outside and within the walls of the church.
In the first chapter Scott draws out the ethical mess we find ourselves in by relating the simultaneous views of considering some things are absolutely wrong while wanting to hold that morality is relative. Murder, incest, rape are absolutely wrong but don’t mention abortion or gay rights, these are off the table in the realm of right and wrong. Feelings and opinions are the moral arbiter of truth rather than some fixed standard of morals. (25-26) In contrast to the prevailing notion that morals are incidental and only personal feelings of the individual, Scott puts forth a view that for a Christian worldview ethics are both universal and knowable (34-35). At all times and in all places, Christian ethics are right independent of cultural norms, values, and tastes. Furthermore, Christian ethics are knowable by virtue of God’s Word and being his image bearers. God has revealed his will for ethical, moral, and personal living, not just one area of life. Even through the fall of man has bent humanity in the direction of sin and evil, man retains the vestiges of the image of God in his understanding of justice, rationality, and right and wrong. By creation and revelation, God has not left man in a state of confusion regarding his vision for ethical living.
Scott asks great questions in this book. One of those questions is, “Can objective morality be adequately grounded apart from God existing?” (57) I applaud Scott’s sincere honesty in saying that people can live a moral life without respect for God. Yet, this begs the question about objective morality. Without reference to a Divine lawgiver, how do we speak objectively about morality, right and wrong? Scott is right to propose that in a naturalistic worldview, objective morality is impossible to debate because there is no foundational binding position on issues, just preferences and opinions. I would also add here that the question can be reframed in terms of trust; without reference to God as providing moral objective foundations, whose voice are we going to trust when looking to make ethical decisions and why? In some parts of the world, morality is guided by the loudest or most violent voice through coercion and manipulation. But, for the Christian believer, ethics are founded upon the objective Word of God, his revelation of himself, and the image of God that we have been created with.
I find myself applauding Scott’s work here in the numerous examples he provides. In one case, he makes the point that, “what constitutes a human person is not fundamentally a scientific question but a philosophical one.” (104) Science can tell us what constitutes a human being by discussing how the body works, but it cannot tell us fundamentally what a person is morally. The scientist in the debate with Scott conceded this point to Scott’s credit, yet he also maintained that if science can’t answer it, then it’s all an opinion of an individual. The scientist is trapped in his own worldview that outside of scientific explanations no solid answer is to be found.
I really enjoyed this book. With plenty of real life examples and solid logic, Scott gets us to think how a Christian ethical viewpoint radically shapes how we view the world, and in turn how we act in the world.
Thanks to Zondervan and Book Look Bloggers for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
I actually really enjoyed the concise yet well articulated points in this book. The section on bioethics was probably the one I found most intriguing, but even as a whole I kept wanting to pause to truly take a moment to appreciate some of the things that were shared in this book. I would definitely consider reading this book again.
December 26, 2020
Had to read it for my ethics class, was way too theoretical and super politically biased to one side
December 24, 2013
The book Doing the Right Thing (2013) was authored by Scott Rae, though it was supposed to be authored by Chuck Colson. This book was to be the companion piece to the video series Doing the Right Thing, which was the last large project Colson dedicated himself to prior to his death last year. Doing the Right Thing is an exploration of moral development based upon a natural law approach.
Before providing my impressions of this book, the ethical thing would be for me to let the reader know that I am a proudly certified Centurion, having completed the year-long worldview training program begun by Colson about 10 years ago. Therefore, my perspective on the book is influenced by my admiration for Chuck Colson and the Colson Center for Christian worldview.
With that out of the way, I really enjoyed this book. Rae did an admirable job of presenting this important work on ethics and morality. He begins by showing how we are in an ethical mess using examples from the business world, crime, pornography, and the media, noting that any rational person admits there is something wrong with the world. He goes on to discuss the incoherence of relativism and the inability of anyone to consistently hold to subjective morality. He then proceeded to make a thoughtful case for objective morality, which Christians believe is grounded in the God of the Bible. He makes an associated case for the development of virtue, which is sorely lacking in a relativistic, individualistic culture. He concludes the book by applying the groundwork to the issues of what does it mean to be human, ethics in the marketplace, and ethics in the public life.
We need a revolution in ethics and virtue if our society is to succeed. This book by Rae provides a useful groundwork for exploring ethics and virtue in an accessible format. I haven't reviewed the video series, though having read the book, I want to. I happily recommend this book.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® 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.”
Before providing my impressions of this book, the ethical thing would be for me to let the reader know that I am a proudly certified Centurion, having completed the year-long worldview training program begun by Colson about 10 years ago. Therefore, my perspective on the book is influenced by my admiration for Chuck Colson and the Colson Center for Christian worldview.
With that out of the way, I really enjoyed this book. Rae did an admirable job of presenting this important work on ethics and morality. He begins by showing how we are in an ethical mess using examples from the business world, crime, pornography, and the media, noting that any rational person admits there is something wrong with the world. He goes on to discuss the incoherence of relativism and the inability of anyone to consistently hold to subjective morality. He then proceeded to make a thoughtful case for objective morality, which Christians believe is grounded in the God of the Bible. He makes an associated case for the development of virtue, which is sorely lacking in a relativistic, individualistic culture. He concludes the book by applying the groundwork to the issues of what does it mean to be human, ethics in the marketplace, and ethics in the public life.
We need a revolution in ethics and virtue if our society is to succeed. This book by Rae provides a useful groundwork for exploring ethics and virtue in an accessible format. I haven't reviewed the video series, though having read the book, I want to. I happily recommend this book.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® 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.”
December 15, 2013
When speaking of truth, you will more times than not, hear the phrase, "That’s true for you, but I don't believe that way." In our postmodern, relativistic society we have not just lost the knowledge and understanding of what is right and wrong, we have turned ethics on its head.
Why has the world seemingly been turned upside down? Why has conventional wisdom about right and wrong been discarded? I think Scott B. Rae gives us some answers in this short but intriguing book.
Here we have a book about ethics in today’s postmodern culture. Rae takes us through an array of subjects from Politics to Medicine. He shows us that the Christian worldview is the only logical and correct understanding of what is right and wrong. We see here that there are correct and incorrect views on almost every subject.
In America it is considered hateful and bigoted to call anything a sin (except when referring to those who are politically incorrect). We have a so-called tolerant society, but they only tolerate those who agree with their worldview. Because of this, we very seldom hear someone proclaim something is right or wrong. Rae shows us that there is a truth we can know. There are things that we can call right and wrong. Years ago, the beliefs of postmodernism would be laughable, but today it is almost impossible to find a college professor, or student for that matter, that believes in objective truth.
Even though the book was originally intended to be written by Chuck Colson, because of his untimely death, Scott B. Rae takes up the mantle. To fill the shoes of a giant like Colson is no small feat, but Rae pulls it off.
The writing is crisp and to the point. Because it is a shorter book, there is no clutter. Rae gets straight to the point. It is very well written and keeps you moving from one chapter to the next.
I enjoyed the book. Rae has done a great service to the Body of Christ.
I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from Zondervan and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Why has the world seemingly been turned upside down? Why has conventional wisdom about right and wrong been discarded? I think Scott B. Rae gives us some answers in this short but intriguing book.
Here we have a book about ethics in today’s postmodern culture. Rae takes us through an array of subjects from Politics to Medicine. He shows us that the Christian worldview is the only logical and correct understanding of what is right and wrong. We see here that there are correct and incorrect views on almost every subject.
In America it is considered hateful and bigoted to call anything a sin (except when referring to those who are politically incorrect). We have a so-called tolerant society, but they only tolerate those who agree with their worldview. Because of this, we very seldom hear someone proclaim something is right or wrong. Rae shows us that there is a truth we can know. There are things that we can call right and wrong. Years ago, the beliefs of postmodernism would be laughable, but today it is almost impossible to find a college professor, or student for that matter, that believes in objective truth.
Even though the book was originally intended to be written by Chuck Colson, because of his untimely death, Scott B. Rae takes up the mantle. To fill the shoes of a giant like Colson is no small feat, but Rae pulls it off.
The writing is crisp and to the point. Because it is a shorter book, there is no clutter. Rae gets straight to the point. It is very well written and keeps you moving from one chapter to the next.
I enjoyed the book. Rae has done a great service to the Body of Christ.
I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from Zondervan and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2014
Doing the Right Thing
By Scott Rae
This book is the companion guide to Chuck Colson’s video series with the same title.
It is an exploration of moral development based upon a natural law approach. As well as being a guide to live and have a worldview in todays culture.
As a work on ethics and morality, it begins by illustrating how society got to its current situations through worldly examples including business, crime, pornography, and the media.
The book makes a case for objective morality, which Christians believe is grounded in the Scriptures, with a call for individuals as well as society to return to an ethical and cultural foundation.
Thus the book is a call for a revolution in ethics and virtue in our society.
While the initial plan was for the book to sit alongside the video, you can easily read the book without viewing the videos.
The question for the reader and for society, is our society fine, or is it in a state of moral decay? If it is a problem, how serious is it? May people, including Christians that I speak to do not see the issue as being a priority in today’s society.
Scott Rae tackles the tough questions head on, with a fresh degree of honesty. He argues with sound principles, revealing a firm foundation of ethical, medical and Biblical knowledge and understanding.
The book has plenty of real life, real world examples and succeeds in getting people to think about the ethical behaviours in society.
By Scott Rae
This book is the companion guide to Chuck Colson’s video series with the same title.
It is an exploration of moral development based upon a natural law approach. As well as being a guide to live and have a worldview in todays culture.
As a work on ethics and morality, it begins by illustrating how society got to its current situations through worldly examples including business, crime, pornography, and the media.
The book makes a case for objective morality, which Christians believe is grounded in the Scriptures, with a call for individuals as well as society to return to an ethical and cultural foundation.
Thus the book is a call for a revolution in ethics and virtue in our society.
While the initial plan was for the book to sit alongside the video, you can easily read the book without viewing the videos.
The question for the reader and for society, is our society fine, or is it in a state of moral decay? If it is a problem, how serious is it? May people, including Christians that I speak to do not see the issue as being a priority in today’s society.
Scott Rae tackles the tough questions head on, with a fresh degree of honesty. He argues with sound principles, revealing a firm foundation of ethical, medical and Biblical knowledge and understanding.
The book has plenty of real life, real world examples and succeeds in getting people to think about the ethical behaviours in society.
December 30, 2013
Not for the average middle class reader.
Making moral choices in a world full of options. This book based on ethics discusses morals, values, virtues, and tries to define each, by using examples in world history, medicine, and politics. The author, who is Dean and Professor of Christian ethics at a school of theology, quotes from many philosophers throughout world history and adds quotes from various bible references.
You can read more of my review here: http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.blogs...
Making moral choices in a world full of options. This book based on ethics discusses morals, values, virtues, and tries to define each, by using examples in world history, medicine, and politics. The author, who is Dean and Professor of Christian ethics at a school of theology, quotes from many philosophers throughout world history and adds quotes from various bible references.
You can read more of my review here: http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.blogs...
November 4, 2015
Know what is right or wrong and do it. Heady reading. B
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews