Discerning Ethics: Diverse Christian Responses to Divisive Moral Issues

by Hak Joon Lee (Editor), Tim Dearborn (Editor)

Racism. Immigration. Gun violence. Sexuality. Health care. The number of ethical issues that demand a response from Christians today is almost dizzying. How can Christians navigate such matters? What are faithful responses to these questions? Edited by two theologians with pastoral experience, this volume invites engagement with these issues and more by drawing on real-life experiences and offering a range of responses to some of the most challenging moral questions confronting the church today. With an unflinching yet irenic approach, this resource can help Christians as they seek to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2020

About the author

Hak Joon Lee is Professor of Theology and Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Lee’s research focuses on covenant, public theology, global ethics, and Asian American theology and ethics. He has also centered much of his attention on the ethics and spirituality of Martin Luther King Jr.

Reviews

[Shawn Enright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d recommend this book if someone wants help identifying and clarifying relevant ethical topics, but I wouldn’t consider these authors’s arguments (or, at times, lack thereof) as particularly helpful or insightful. The “author response” sections were lackluster and came across the same way that some lame, via media Anglicans can lol. Like, say something!!! Place a flag!!! Risk your career!!! Fast in the desert!!!

[Utah Kershner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was one of my summer books that unfortunately got tabled when I started class in the fall. it was really good. I really appreciated the way each of the 16 different topics were laid out. The author of each chapter would introduce the topic with a real life vignette, address the ethical issue in the real world, and then lay out two or three different responses to it as well as notable people who hold to those views. each chapter would close with the author of that chapters own response to the issue. I appreciated how no chapter author claimed to have the right or correct answer but instead, the book was super helpful and understanding what a variety of people think on each issue. I didn’t always agree with the author of each chapter and their view, but the book was very interesting nonetheless. if you’re interested in ethics at all, you should give this a read.

[Радостин Марчев · Rating 4 out of 5]

Книгата е добро въведение в съвременните етични въпроси. Темите са избрани удачно като са представени различните гледни точки, от които може да се подходи - дори когато те са противоположни. След всеки въпрос е добавена секция за допълнителна литература, която може да помогне на чиаттеля в по натъщно изследване.
Двата недостатъка, които отчитам (и които за мен са доста сериозни) са:
1. Макар и съвременни поне някои теми са прекалено "американмски", което донякъде разваля претенциите на книгата.
2. В стремежа да представят изчерпателно всички сериозни становища по дадена тема авторите бягат от конфронтация помежду им. Това може да дава добър обзор на възможните пътища за формиране на етична оценка от християнска гледна точка, но по необходимост преи на предсатвяне на достатъъчно силни аргументи в защита на дадена позиция - последното може да стане иединсвено при определена конфронтация. Това автматично рефлектира върху убедителността на представянто като в някои случи образно казано му вади зъбите.
Моето впечатление е, че сборникът е добър, но може да бъде и по-добър.

[Allan Bevere · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Discerning Ethics: Diverse Christian Responses to Divisive Moral Issues" is an exploration of moral philosophy within a Christian framework, making it an important read for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and ethical challenges. The book brings together contributions from a variety of Christian perspectives, each offering a differing view on pressing moral issues such as social justice, war, and bioethics.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its commitment to diversity, presenting a range of theological viewpoints from across the Christian spectrum. This approach not only enriches the reader's understanding of each issue but also highlights the broad dialogue within Christianity on ethics. The writing is clear, accessible, and thought-provoking, making complex theological and ethical discussions approachable for readers with varying levels of prior knowledge.

"Discerning Ethics" is an invaluable resource for churches, study groups, and individuals seeking to deepen their ethical reflections in light of their Christian beliefs. It not only educates but also challenges and inspires readers to apply their faith to real-world dilemmas.

[Christopher Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent attempt to cover a swath of ethical issues from multiple Christian perspectives. Some chapters were significantly weaker than others in the views selected for comparison, and almost every chapter author selected either the "third-way" option presented or presented an eclectic approach. Most authors were fair to other views, but some views were portrayed, at least by implication, as extremes to be avoided. However, for the breadth of coverage, this could likely not have been avoided. This would be an excellent textbook to have as a resource in a class on Christian Ethics for students to use as a starting point for projects or issue papers. This might also be a good, broad overview of different approaches to ethical issues for pastors, church staff, and parachurch employees.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a class. This book does its best to survey prevailing ethical issues from various perspectives and it’s not the book’s fault that even a 2020 book feels outdated in 2023.. times change fast.

[Mark Mossa]

Great for discussion with students about diverse Theological approaches to contemporary moral issues.