This introductory text presents a Christian method for making decisions and applies it to some of the major ethical issues of today. Author Roger H. Crook effectively integrates both historical and sociological material throughout the book.

Focusing on value rather than duty in moral decision-making, An Introduction to Christian Ethics, Fourth Edition, emphasizes a continuing respect for scripture, tradition, and the Christian community as resources in the consideration of contemporary moral issues.

Topics include:

• An Overview of Ethics
• Alternatives to Christian Ethics
• Alternatives within Christian Ethics
• Sources of Guidance
• Biblical Ethics
• Faith Working through Love
• Human Sexuality and the Marriage Relationship
• Life and Death: Issues in Biomedical Ethics
• Christian Ethics and Ethnicity
• The Status of Women
• Citizenship in a Democracy
• Punishment for Crime
• War and the Quest for Peace
• Work, Property, and Community
• Ecology and Moral Responsibility

New material in the Fourth Edition includes:

• Updated statistics and illustrative materials
• New approaches to Alternatives to Christian Ethics; Human Sexuality; Biomedical Ethics; and Ethnicity
• Updated Bibliography

• NEW - Expanded ethical coverage—Adds brief descriptions of the ethics of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

  • Guides students toward a better understanding of the growing importance of these religious groups in the United States. Ex.___

• NEW - Cloning—Provides new discussions on the moral implications of cloning.

  • Helps students sort through and arrive at their own personal decision concerning the very controversial issue of cloning. Ex.___

• NEW - Other current topics—Discusses and compares/contrasts with the Protestant Christian framework, contemporary Roman Catholic moral theology, using the later work of Timothy O'Connell; features a section on African-American and Feminist expressions of the ethics of Liberation theology; and more.

  • Keeps students thoroughly informed on today's most significant topics. Ex.___

• Broad study of ethics.

  • Acquaints students with both the field of ethics in general and varieties of Christian ethical systems in particular, and assists them in the formulation of an approach that they will find valid for themselves. Ex.___

• Multi-perspective approach—Combines theological, philosophical, historical, and sociological perspectives in examining moral issues.

  • Gives students a well-rounded and balanced study of Christian ethics on which to base their individual reasonings. Ex.___

• Consideration of other systems—Recongnizes as viable options a number of other significant systems, and describes some of them briefly without attempting to assess their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Broadens students' understanding of different approaches used in moral decision-making and action. Ex.___

• Running glossary—Boldfaces important terms upon their initial introduction.

  • Assists students with a practical glossary of both unusual and common terms that are given a distinct meaning in the study of Christian ethics. Ex.___