Designed for use in college level classes, this book offers a fascinating introduction to ethics, focusing on Christian ethics. While the focus is Christian ethics, author Scott Rae also provides a general introduction to major figures in the history of ethics, and looks at the ethical systems they developed. He also develops a framework for making ethical decisions, in the hope that readers will use the framework in their lives and in the development of their own worldviews.
Why ethics, and why morality? Rae believes that ethical and moral issues are foundational to any and all worldviews, and that one must be able to incorporate specific moral and ethical concerns into their worldview. This is why he looks at the major ethical systems developed in the course of human history, describing their various norms and standards.
Rae is convinced that Christian morality and ethics are the best system for dealing with the real issues in our lives, so most of the book deals with how Christian morality and ethics has dealt with and is continuing to deal with various issues like abortion, euthanasia, reproductive technologies, genetic technologies, capital punishment, sexual ethics, war, and the legislation of morality.
Rae displays a vast array of knowledge about each ethical system, and a rare knack for honesty and accuracy. The result is an eminently usable introduction to ethics and morality that emphasizes the superiority of the Christian ethic, a natural choice for Christian colleges. It is a valuable reference book that will help to clarify ethics and morals for a vast diversity of students.
