The divine imperative

by Emil Brunner

One of the major works of the great German theologian Emil Brunner, The Divine Imperative deals with what we ought to do. People are unconvinced that there is an inviolable moral obligation governing human life because they do not believe that the 'good'can be precisely and clearly known. Haven't some generations called bad what others have called good? Aren't moral standards relative? Doesn't religion lack uniform and practical moral guidance? Brunner discusses the moral confusion we face. He analyses the nature of the Good, showing why the Christian faith as understood by the Protestant Reformers provides the only true approach and answer to the ethical problem. Philosophical ethics, whether ancient or modern, cannot correctly define the Good, becausethe Good is regarded either as too abstract and absolute or as too concrete and relative. Christianity, by contrast, sees the moral problem as one of responsibility between humans who are created so as to respond to God. He created men for responsive fellowship with Him, establishing orderly ways of acting in the world. Correct understanding of the nature of society, family, state, economic life, is needed to discern one's duty. Because Brunner's analysis is at once fundamental and comprehensive, this book remains a fresh and compelling treatment of the moral problem. It offers a provocative discussion and solution of a perennial human problem.

Genres: Theology

728 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Heinrich Emil Brunner was a Protestant theologian and Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at the University of Zurich.

Reviews

[Jon Coutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Church of faith is invisible inasmuch as it is present in secular institutions, not as a separate order, but [in its] revealing and striving to realize the[ir] meaning [in] service of humanity."

[J. Ewbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emil Brunner's book is a fascinating read. Read it for a seminary class, Garrett Evangelical on the campus of Northwestern University campus. The class was Christian Ethics.

This book is for the minister or scholar and still has good material in it even today. It would be too tough for the average layperson, but the layperson who reads a lot in Christian theology might be able to take it on and get a lot out of it.

As always Brunner is able to take his thought step-by-step in considering the various topics needed to cover Christian Ethics.

Old, but well worth the read, even today.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Luther Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for mature Christians. The book is not an easy read, but take the time to understand what the author is saying.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neo-orthodox read I used in a paper to compare to Rabbi Soloveitchik. Surprised by the common approach to the fall and rise of man.