Theological Ethics

'In this thoroughly researched volume, Ross Hastings offers a crackling compendium of fundamental theological criteria by which Christians may guide their ethical reflection. The ideas contained within these covers resonate with clear thinking as well as an intriguing engagement with other leading modern theologians, public controversies as well as the biblical sources.' * <b> PAUL ALLEN, academic dean and professor of theology, Corpus Christi College </b> * 'Ethics is never autonomous but always arises from a particular narrative. Hastings cogently argues that Christian ethics must be theological and therefore is Trinitarian, biblical, ecclesial, and missional. A significant contribution to both Christian ethics and theology.' * <b> DENNIS P. HOLLINGER, president emeritus and senior distinguished professor of Christian ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary </b> * 'Ross Hastings argues convincingly that Christian ethics must be restored to its status as a profoundly theological discipline. In making the case he offers us excellent perspectives on specific topics in ethics--including some very pressing ones in contemporary life. And there is more: refreshing insights on Trinitarian thought, the church as the locus of moral reflection, the need for grounding theology in careful biblical exposition, and the relationship of morality to spirituality. An impressive and refreshing book!' * <b> RICHARD J. MOUW, president emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary </b> * 'One of the most damaging legacies of modernity is the extent to which Christian theologians have lost their evangelical nerve when it comes to 'Christian' ethics. Fear of questioning universal epistemic access to the moral law, confused accounts of the conditions for repentance, and a concern to ratify accounts of the state and its laws independently of the gospel have distracted theologians from the recognition at the heart of the faith, namely, that Jesus Christ is the key to understanding the totality of God's purposes for human beings and thereby every facet of their relationship to God and to each other. In this remarkable book, Ross Hastings has the courage to think through the totality of Christian ethics from its centre in the triune God and his radical and liberating engagement with the contingent order in Jesus Christ. Rather than defining ethics with reference to generic assumptions about human purposiveness, it focuses on the one who alone mediates God's creative purposes to humanity and who alone is the true image of God the Father. Consequently, rather than turning to some perceived natural order for guidance, Hastings interprets our obligations in the light of our participation in the new creation and in the life of the new humanity to which the resurrection bears witness. The result is an approach to ethics that is grace-oriented, liberating, and inspirational rather than legalistic--that refuses to reduce Christian ethics to secular humanism in religious guise. This is a courageous, cogent, and convincing account of the radical and distinctive nature of Christian ethics. Not only will it challenge, but it will inspire and excite students, pastors, and theologians alike. What it reminds us is that theological ethics is never more relevant than when it actively witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ and interprets its grounds accordingly.' * <b> ALAN J. TORRANCE, emeritus professor, University of St. Andrews *