Common Objects of Love: Moral Reflection and the Shaping of Community

by Oliver O'Donovan

The book's central theme, which arises out of Augustine's idea that we know only as we love, is that moral reflection, or the identification of objects of love, has effect in organized community. This perspective provides a fruitful resolution to the traditional Aristotelian dichotomy of theoretical and practical reason and directs us as to how we may think "from truths of Christian faith to conclusions in Christian action." O'Donovan's interest in this theme lies especially with its political possibilities, as he explores how love is key to the organization and coherence of political society.
Beginning with some lighthearted puzzles about teaching ethics, O'Donovan explores a series of related historical and current issues - the iconoclastic controversy of the ninth century, the nature of ethical deliberation, the deleterious role of publicity in late-modern liberal society, and more - and he offers some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001. It is with John of Patmos, finally, that O'Donovan brings his journey of thought to an evangelical conclusion, one that rests on the narrative of the fall and redemption of society and of the vindication of created order in the coming of God's kingdom.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Christianity

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Oliver O'Donovan FBA FRSE (born 1945) is a scholar known for his work in the field of Christian ethics. He has also made contributions to political theology, both contemporary and historical.

Reviews

[Sam Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

O’Donovan anticipates several of his key ideas within his later book The Ways of Judgment here. His description, critique, and counterproposals to modern publicity at the end are unique and prescient in a world where internet communications have become more dominant since 2001.

[Dan Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. No time to review this right now. Suffice to say, very very good.

[W. Littlejohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why didn't I read this sooner? Less than a hundred pages, supremely readable, yet as densely packed as anything by O'Donovan. At its core, it is a reflection on the conditions of possibility for the existence of political society, with some thoughts about the unique dangers undermining that possibility in modernity. But along the way, as usual, O'Donovan scatters profound little nuggets on everything from the fifth commandment to the meaning of secularity (see some bloggings at www.swordandploughshare.com). The best part is surely the meditation on the uniquely modern phenomenon of "publicity," which occupies much of the final chapter.

Of course, this is very short--just a set of three lectures--and hence leaves much unsaid and undeveloped. Perhaps one day, we will see the full version. In the meantime, The Ways of Judgment is a good substitute.

[Michael Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short meditation on Augustine’s famous line from Book XIX in City of God - a political community is a gathered multitude of rational beings united by common objects of love. The first two essays on love and collective action and political representation were illuminating. They could even serve as helpful introductory readings to Christian ethics, covering subjects like actions, ends, goods, affections, communication. The final essay on publicity was more esoteric than typical for O’Donovan (and that’s sayin’ something!), and less enjoyable.

[Matthew Loftus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound insights into the very basic nature of human community and our love together as the basis for politics.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Blake Randolph]

Wow. Reading this has stirred my affections for Jesus and for his Church. It’s a short collection of lectures. You could read it in a day; you should take at least a few days with it though.

[J. J.]

Profound. Much to chew on and consider how to apply.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this slim volume (originally a series of lectures) takes a while to get into, there are many rich insights along the way that repay the effort.

[Danna · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was either really good and went over my head, or it was 2 stars

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not his best work. It is too short and the themes are underdeveloped. I say this as one who has praised O'Donovan's works for seven years now. He is one of the top five theologians (living) who has most influenced me. To be honest, the reader is better served by googling his Stob lectures at Calvin and taking copious notes from them.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the biggest ideas are that humans are united in what they focus on/worship and that O'Donovan believes we (the Western world at least) is far too focused upon itself.
I plan on rereading the book as opportunity arises.