The Christian Moral Life: Practices of Piety

by Timothy F. Sedgwick

This book, a re-issue of the 1999 edition, demonstrates that the way of life we call Christian is lived in relationships to others. Christian faith, understood as practical piety, calls for a life opened to the world at large, concerned for the "stranger" as well as for the neighbor. Sedgwick further emphasizes that the Christian life is grounded in the experience and worship of God. His work thus develops Christian ethics as "sacramental ethics," an ethic that has at its center a deepening encounter with God.

Written in a style accessible to non-specialists, this book provides teachers, pastors, counselors, and general readers with an ideal introduction to Christian ethics. It renews the topic of Christian ethics by showing readers that faithful moral living is achieved through the daily practices of grace and godliness.

The author first explores the foundations of Christian ethics as seen by both Catholics and Protestants, and then develops a constructive view of morality as a way of life. Taking into account the central themes of Christian ethics, he shows that effective piety is built on spiritual disciplines that deepen our experience of God: prayer, worship, self examination, simplicity, and acts of hospitality.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1999

Reviews

[Jeremias · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is out of touch with the current moral theology of the Episcopal Church. He forces the reader into a Christian Moral Theology based upon his traditional Christian values. His chapter on sexual relationships I personally found offensive and an attack on any other marriage relationship other than one between a man and a women. In addition the author takes very simple ideas and complicates them. The only reason I continued to read the book was it being required reading for a course.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

For many EFM participants, this is that book, the one that they have heard about for the past three years as being the most problematic part of the curriculum. While there is very good cause for that reputation, I find much of the year 4 curriculum to be a bit out of date and I hope Sewanee will be updating it in it's entirety soon.
But I digress...

I'll start with the problems, then talk about the good parts, and finish with a recommendation.

The problem in this book, put simply, is chapter 3. To begin with it undeniably heteronormative and casually implies that heterosexual marriage is the only appropriate form of marriage. Both the author and Sewanee have tried to do some damage control on this, but their efforts have been little more than half-hearted, and in many ways can be read to blame the audience for reading it that way. However there is really no other way to read it when in the text it is asserted that a theology of marriage that allows for not procreating as a part of the marriage is as idolatrous as a theology of marriage that make procreation the only point of marriage.
I can accept that the author is a heterosexual man with little perspective of marriage outside of this heteronormative structure, and so his "norm" is presented here. I can also accept that this book was written before the question of sexuality came to a head in the Episcopal church. I will also concede that following that period the author remained with TEC instead of joining one of the scismatic groups, and that he lent his voice to the debate in a separate work that I have not yet read so I'm not fully informed of his opinion as it is now. These conditions though speak more to why the inclusion of this text in the EFM curriculum should be reevaluated than to excuse it's faults.
I will also assert, for anyone who reads this and wishes to remind me that "not all Christians believe that gay marriage is okay" that this text is written by a theologian, ethicist, and professor who is a part of the Episcopal Church, which as a body accepts and affirms the sanctity of all marriage.

The Good: Outside of that one chapter this book is a surprisingly accessible and informative introduction to the concept of Christian Ethics and Moral Theology. I especially appreciate the explanation at the end that these fields are not about answering questions, but providing all the information for making a moral or ethical choice. Also, his last chapter on vocation was a very good summary of the whole book.

A solution, If you too have had issues with this book, especially if you read it as part of EFM, I encourage you to seek out other, more recent, books on Christian Ethics that could be a better choice. Read them and consider if they could take the place of this book in the EFM curriculum, and if so, let Sewanee know. They have heard enough about the problems with this book, but if they are unwilling to seek out a replacement then it will never change; but if those complaints are accompanied by proposed replacements, perhaps they will take that more seriously.

If you are not part of EFM, and do not have to read this book, look around for something better and more up to date.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book amazed me! It provided so much information about being an Anglican/Episcopalian, reassuring me that it is what I want to be! For example, his explanation that, "While the judgments of the Christian community of faith need to be taken seriously, they may also for good reason be modified or finally rejected in light of the larger purpose of forming a holy people who care for one another as they direct their lives towards God. Manners and morals thus change, evolve. They are integral to faith as a holy life but not as ends in themselves," just amazes (and delights) me! Now, I understand why and how Anglicans can remain in communion with each other without agreeing with each others' "manners and morals"!

The appendix's assertion "that Christian faith is distinctive in content but is formed as is human identity in general in the interplay of narrative interpretations of life and the practices that constitute a life lived" and the explanation that followed helped me to understand that being a Christian is not an adherence to a code--some dead letter--but a living, breathing thing that we are constantly co-creating with God.

[Jim Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific book. It was the antithesis of a heady, systematic theology. I attribute this to a couple of things.
a. With a few exceptions, the writing style was accessible and helpful. It walks us through a vision of what a morality might look like. Mostly, the author trusts God to be our vanguard. It is refreshing.
B. He uses a radical notion of hospitality as the framework through which to view morality. He desires to put a tool in our toolbox that we can apply as we go through our daily round. He gives numerous examples of ways this hospitality can be brought to life. Very useful
C. Most importantly to me, the constant is all he advances is, that if this life isn’t bringing me closer to God, then I am on the wrong track. There was a beautiful discussion early on that looked at the underlying theologies concerning the substance of the Eucharist, whether it was trans-substantiation or not. I have bogged down in this argument many times over the years. His solution…it really did not matter; rather what mattered was were we breaking bread in Eucharistic fellowship or not.

I few complaints but let me mention a couple.

First, as brilliant as his discussion of hospitality was, in the same chapter when discussing sexuality, he seemed to get tied up in knots. He placed a lot of emphasis on traditional marriage as a model of transcendence, then almost as an afterthought, tried to explain other loving expressions. The style was weak and it weakened his overall argument.

Second, Sedgwick used the terms meditation and contemplation interchangeably. I see them as quite different. He did mention the difference between katastatic and apostatic but with almost no delineation. In my practice, they are very different practices.

In summary, these are minor relative to the overall theme of the book. I applaud the author for giving me additional resources for my Walk.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another seminary class assignment. The title made me groan. I was expecting some dictatorial, rigid outline of how to be a "good" Christian. I was relieved to find a thoughtful and wide-ranging study on the nature of Jesus, his ministry, and his legacy for us. The author covers all aspects of life: vocation, avocation, sexuality, marriage, worship, and outreach. I enjoyed most the section on hospitality and its role in the Christian ministry.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out well. The first couple of chapters made me think that this book, of all the EfM books we have read this year, would speak to me and include something applicable and relevant to my life and experience. Chapters one and two were hopeful but the rest of the book was as impenetrable as the rest of the EfM curriculum for year 4. Repetitive and pretentious, I would rather be reading Diana Butler Bass or Nadia Bolz-Weber or even the presiding bishop than this drivel.

[Dana Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Great explanation of Anglican theology

[Bethany Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some helpful thoughts and reminders in this text. There were also some pretty out-dated and non-helpful examples. Overall, I found it helpful, but there was a consistent lack of understanding of the role of non-married persons who do not commit their lives to a monastic order. Ironically, while the author discussed the pitfalls of idolatry, I (and others in my reading group) found him doing the exact thing with marriage. Still, the beginning chapters and the end were thoughtful and enjoyable. I love his concept of the covenant of hospitality and wish he would have done more with that.

[LNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for year four in EFM and it is not bad, I don't think it is super great either.

There is a lot of discussion about the chapter on Incarnate love - and that chapter has not aged well. In my opinion - it would have worked better if Sedgwick had started the chapter with radical hospitality and then used marriage and child as his personal examples, though to be honest I skimmed that chapter because it wasn't going to be for me.

Parts of the book were good - I enjoyed both the beginning two chapters and the ending two chapters. What I took away from this book is that our faith/religion needs to be about trying to connect with G-d.

[Kathy Bochonko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for EFM (4th year) I will be honest I hated the title and honestly expected to be bored by this book. I mean piety has never sounded very fun or interesting, but I really loved this book. It is perfect for this final year of EFM as we develop our own personal theology. It is written by an intellectual so I confess to looking up a couple of words so it is not fluff. It requires full concentration and I am glad we took several weeks to read and unpack this.

[Maya Senen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sedgwick advocates for a covenant of hospitality- embracing the other without any sort of exchange for service or judgment. In so doing, the Christian will be actively practicing their Christianity. This can be a hug, helping the homeless, inviting people into your home for a meal, etc. The idea is to lead your life with the embrace as the practice and the love of Christ. Like a kiss, it is both a symbol which shows and begets more love.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not have completed reading this book if it weren't for EfM. Sedgwick fails to tie his theology up and connect it to piety. He grasps at straws when talking of hospitality, and makes no comparison that proves his point.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Required 4th year EfM reading. The author's style is "difficult". He speaks in circles and never seems to get to the point. Stories and/or metaphors to illustrate might have helped.

Overall I was totally unimpressed and thought this was a waste of my time.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long and it has a hard time keeping my attaintion

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that was part of education for ministry otherwise known as EFM through the Episcopal church. I like the user friendliness and personal approach the author used.

[Ronald Chevalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply theological read covering hospitality and the treatment of others as an act of worship to God.

[J.M. Sommers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts, though occasionally dry, and a good review of some of the spiritual disciplines that are essential to the growing Christian.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading for Year 4 EfM. This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't very good. The author loves the word "hospitality."

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An outline of living the Christian faith.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easier to understand than other theology books I've read. Helped me to think about and wrestle with my beliefs.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book in placing ethics alongside spirituality and living out one's beliefs through action, prayer, and baptismal living.

[Janice Pauc · Rating 3 out of 5]

An EfM read. Chapter 3 was terrible. The rest of the book is ok but something I would not have read if it wasn’t required.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am leading a book discussion about this book in my church for Lent. It came recommended by the Rev. Jennie Lou Reid.

I am enjoying the book and the class. I have to admit that I find it a bit uneven. His chapter on marriage was fantastic! (Chapter 3) The next chapter on hospitality and celibacy less so.

I will miss his thoughts when I finish reading the book.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why bother to write a whole book when you could have said it all without repeating yourself in an essay? While I like the themes of hospitality and vocation (much broader than ordination or religious orders), Sedgwick seems to overlook the many of us who live alone. Perhaps he has encountered few of us in his long career as a teacher in a seminary!

[Julia Alberino · Rating 1 out of 5]

EfM really needs to update its year four curriculum again ( this was done 2 years ago). There is nothing positive I can think of to say about this book. It is outdated, uninformative, and unhelpful to any thinking Christian. Surely there are better books on moral theology and Christian ethics.

[Sean Mcdermott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very uneven. Goes off on wild tangents.

I envision this author tries very hard to make his theology fit into his fellow postmodern colleagues worldview.

[Janet Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because the author, like me, is a cradle Episcopalian who grew up in the Midwest in the 50's and 60's. There's alot in common right there.

[Becky Patterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible read. EFM needs to remove this one from year 4 to a permanent bookshelf in the sky. Author is "preachy" and his points are unclear and come off as prescriptive rather than reflective.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my EfM class. I thought the ideas presented were thought-provoking and gave me a new way to look at some subjects.