THEO 650 Book Review Grading Rubric Criteria Levels of Achie ✓ Solved

THEO 650 Book Review Grading Rubric Criteria Levels of Achie

Students will review and critique "Reviving Evangelical Ethics." The student should discuss the author’s goal and intended audience for the book, then briefly summarize the contents of each chapter, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. The review should include some reflection on how these three ethical systems fall short of a fully biblical ethic and on if and how the author helps professional ministers develop a more fully biblical approach to ethics. The review needs to be at least 1800 words but not more than 2200 words long. It must be in Turabian format, using the highest quality formal academic English and show evidence of careful revision, proofreading, and attention to detail.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The book "Reviving Evangelical Ethics" by Wyndy Corbin Reuschling undertakes a critical examination of evangelical ethical models and addresses their relevance and shortcomings in contemporary Christian practice. As the title suggests, the author aims to revive ethical discussions rooted in evangelical tradition, juxtaposing them against modern philosophical frameworks. This critique will explore Reuschling’s objectives, the audience she intends to reach, the summaries of each chapter, and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses found within the text.

Author’s Goal and Intended Audience

Reuschling’s primary goals include encouraging evangelical practitioners and theologians to reconsider traditional ethical frameworks that have shaped their beliefs and practices. By providing a thoughtful analysis of classic ethical models, she aims to foster a responsive dialogue about how these models can be integrated into the lives of modern Christians. The intended audience encompasses ministers, theologians, and students of theology seeking a deeper understanding of ethics within the evangelical tradition.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: Introduction to Evangelical Ethics

This opening chapter sets the stage for the book by defining evangelical ethics and addressing contemporary ethical challenges faced by Christians. Here, Reuschling emphasizes the necessity of returning to a biblical foundation in ethics to navigate the complexities of modernity.

Chapter 2: Deontological Ethics

In her exploration of deontological ethics, Reuschling discusses the importance of duty-based morality as articulated by Immanuel Kant. She assesses its applicability within evangelical contexts, arguing that while it emphasizes moral obligation, it often falls short in acknowledging the relational aspect of faith.

Chapter 3: Utilitarianism

This chapter critiques John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism, which focuses on the outcomes of actions as benchmarks for morality. Reuschling raises concerns about the reduction of moral decisions to mere calculations of happiness, arguing that this perspective undermines the intrinsic value of actions rooted in faith.

Chapter 4: Virtue Ethics

Reuschling explores Aristotle’s virtue ethics, emphasizing character development as central to ethical behavior. She discusses how evangelical communities can integrate virtues into daily life, highlighting both strengths and tensions inherent in this model.

Chapter 5: Integrating Ethical Models

In this chapter, Reuschling suggests an integrated approach that combines elements of deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics to create a more holistic evangelical ethic. She acknowledges the need for this synthesis, considering the complexities of finding a singular ethical path in modern contexts.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Reuschling’s work demonstrates a robust understanding of both classical philosophical perspectives and evangelical tradition. She successfully illustrates the intersections of these models, providing a practical framework for applying ethical considerations in ministry. Additionally, her writing is accessible, making complex philosophical concepts digestible for her target audience.

Weaknesses

Despite its strengths, the book falls short in thoroughly addressing how specific ethical dilemmas can be resolved within the evangelical context. While Reuschling critiques various models, some readers may find her solutions too abstract or insufficiently actionable for applied ministry contexts.

Reflection on Ethical Systems

Throughout her critique, Reuschling reflects on the limitations of traditional ethical frameworks. She emphasizes that many ethical systems take a reductionist approach to morality, often neglecting the depth of biblical principles that inform a truly holistic ethic. She argues that personal faith and communal responsibility cannot be separated from ethical considerations, urging professional ministers to adopt an integrated ethic that reflects a comprehensive biblical worldview.

Conclusion

"Reviving Evangelical Ethics" serves as a significant contribution to the discourse on Christian ethics. Reuschling challenges readers to reassess their understanding of ethical frameworks and encourages the development of a theology that aligns traditional values with contemporary ethical challenges. This work is not merely an academic exploration; it is a call to action for the church to embody a faith that responds to the moral complexities of modern life while remaining anchored in biblical truth.

References

  • Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality. Grand Rapids, Mich: Brazos Press, 2008.

  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1981.

  • Hauerwas, Stanley. The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1983.

  • Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Justice: Rights and Wrongs. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2008.

  • Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998.

  • Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. New York: Prometheus Books, 2002.

  • Gushee, David P. Still Christian: Following Jesus Out of American Evangelicalism. New York: Patheos Press, 2017.

  • Saint Augustine. The City of God. Translated by Marcus Dods. New York: Modern Library, 2000.

  • Geisler, Norman L. Christian Ethics: Options and Issues. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2010.

  • Jensen, David. The Ethics of the Evangelical: The Ethics and Leadership of Evangelicalism. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019.