The How and Why of Love: An Introduction to Evangelical Ethics

by Michael Hill

Is abortion ever right? Can divorced Christians remarry? What about euthanasia? In a whole range of issues, Christians search for the biblical answer.

But ethics is about far more than controversial issues and hard cases. It's about how we apply the teaching of the Bible to our lives each day as we wait for Christ's return; it's about our actions and our motives; it's about our character.

In this vibrant, stimulating and much-needed book, Michael Hill introduces us to an evangelical approach to ethics. Starting from creation, and taking us through the whole of biblical theology, the author develops a simple and yet comprehensive model of gospel-based ethics. In so doing, he provides us not just with solutions to difficult cases, but with an ethical framework we can bring to every aspect of our lives.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Before retiring in 2009, Michael Hill lectured in Philosophy and Ethics at Moore College, Sydney for 27 years. He has also served in parishes in both the Sydney and Armidale dioceses and is the author of "The How and Why of Love".

Reviews

[Angela Priebbenow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part is pretty heavy-going for someone who isn't well-read in the ethics department. But it forms a helpful foundation for the next section, which helpfully discusses the ethics of more topical issues in today's society. I'd recommend it, but be warned that you need your brain turned on to process it well.

[John Rimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read during a seminary ethics course...while I do not remember much from it due to the lapse of time, I do remember enjoying this book above all the others I read that semester.

[David Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good introduction to the subject of ethics, and how we should develop our own worldview to tackle complex issues. The author does this through four sections in the book: Understanding Ethics, The Bible and Ethics, Moral Issues and finally Practical Application.

In the first section, Hill sets out to explain the different views on ethics, alongside their pros and cons. He then closes with why evangelical ethics trumps the others. This is quite a dense section, but fascinating none-the-less. A lot of the discussion comes down to whether we are primarily individuals or community; and based on that, whether intentions or goals are most important.

In the second chapter, Hill develops the 'evangelical ethics' position he started with, showing how the Bible salvation story is progressive, and therefore we can't just flat line the ethical code found in it. This is a very good section that I wish many Christians I know would come to understand.

Michael then takes us on a tour of moral issues that are in the headlines today, applying the model he has developed as he goes. He tackles marriage, divorce, homosexuality, abortion and euthanasia. Even years after the book was written, we still see these issues daily in the news.

Finally, he speaks to what general application can be made based off the ethical system he's developed throughout the book. My summary of his point would be that we are to seek mutual loving relationships of individuals living in community.

Overall, this is a great book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Biblical ethic, and who wants to take our place in the plan of salvation, and our responsibilities seriously.

[J. J.]

A decent effort overall. Some thoughtful engagement with difficult issues. However, the author's inability or unwillingness to engage with other sources, scholarly or otherwise, greatly hinders this book. He has as many footnotes in several chapters at a stretch as another author writing on ethics might cite on a single page.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to biblical ethics, especially in that the author gives appropriate place to the discipline of biblical theology in tracing a Christian ethic through Scripture.