Becoming Good: Building Moral Character

by David W. Gill

Becoming good--building character--is what we all want for ourselves and for others. But where do we begin? Becoming good is not simply a matter of a few dos and don'ts. In fact we can't begin to do the right things until we have built an adequate foundation. This is precisely what David Gill sets out to help us do. His approach is deeply rooted within the Christian tradition and specifically designed for people who want to allow Scripture to shape the way they think and act. Gill's arguments are not drawn from ethical theory (though they are informed by it) but from the Bible--from Paul's admonitions to faith, hope and love, and from Jesus' Beatitudes. Here is rich, biblical teaching that will help people from every walk of life--whether engineers, bus drivers, managers, restaurant workers, PTA members, parents, neighborhood volunteers, nurses, teachers, coaches, attorneys, journalists or physicians--fulfill their calling to be salt and light within their own spheres of influence.

247 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[John Lussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gill's is an introductory work on virtue or character ethics, based on Scripture and Christian theology. He puts forward character development as the act of becoming good. Enabled by God humanity can become more like Christ and develop the virtues of Scripture, faith, hope, love, the Beatitudes, etc. The second half of the boom focuses on the roles Christians take and how virtues can be developed in those roles. Those interested in further thought should check out Stanley Hauerwas, Peter Kreeft, and Jacques Ellul.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Good is an articulate and clear call to ethics that demands character formed according to the Scripture and in community. Using classical virtues, the beatitudes, and the fruit of the Spirit, he talks of preparation, building, and testing of character, all within the context of community and in God's transforming power.