Readings in Christian Ethics, Volume 1: Theory and Method

by David K. Clark (Editor), Robert V. Rakestraw (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Philosophy, Theology

880 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

About the author

David Clark (PhD, Northwestern University) is Professor of Christian Thought at Bethel Seminary.

Dr. Clark's academic discipline is philosophy of religion. In addition to philosophy of religion, he teaches theology and apologetics. He has special interests in epistemology, the problem of evil, religious ethics, and the relation of theology to science. His approach to these topics emphasizes dialogue: he invites students to learn how to ground their faith perspectives with solid critical reason. And, in this day of uncivil discourse, he also challenges them to listen to others, to serve, and to share their perspectives in the context of respectful personal relationships.

David Clark and his family moved to Minnesota in 1988 to teach at Bethel Seminary. He has served in senior leadership in a church and at Bethel University. He just retired from his last role as VP and Dean of Bethel Seminary. During his years as faculty, he wrote eight books and dozens of articles. And he contributed as a member of several boards, including the national board of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He now serves the wider church through consulting and public speaking.

David is married to Sandy. Together, the Clarks have two sons: Tyler, who lives in Boulder with his wife, Renee, and Ryan, who lives in the Twin Cities with his bride, Rachel. The Clarks have three grandchildren, Griffin, Norah Jane, and Theo. For fun, David enjoys golf, remodeling (he built three different homes for his family), and serious conversations about leadership, ministry, and faith.

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffers from the same malady common to every anthology I've ever read: inconsistency. This is unsurprising considering what the editors of anthologies do: take published essays and chapters of books ripped out of their original context and paste them together in a new context. Writers usually write with one context or audience in mind, so to remove their piece from its original context and audience and present it in a new one is a major limitation in these types of books.

There is a nice variety of readings in this book, and the editors have done well in finding a diversity of views that run the gamut. Their introductions and conclusions before and after each part are excellent. It appears that the editors have done their best - and their best is impressive - but there is too much of a hodge-podge feel to embrace this book. Read it to learn about a range of views in Christian ethics, but don't expect to be swept away by the book.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Boring topic admittedly, but some of the selections were just too removed from their context to have any real impact. There are a few good essays however, and it's certainly worth cherry-picking through.

[VocalBillity - the Voice of one crying in the Bewilderness (tm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure theory, philosphy, and in some cases rhetoric. But, it is a GREAT preface to the Volumn II book, which actually has the applications for these theories and methods.

[Demetrius Rogers]

Good intro to the field.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to ethics and world views. It is a collection of essays but they were all helpful.