A Book Recommendation on Moral Formation and Religious Life in the USA

I have been reading on biblical ethics and moral formation for some time. I find it amazing that seminary currricula rarely require a class that focuses on this topic (That includes where I teach!. We tend to think it can or is just absorbed in one way or another. (But that is another topic for another day)

I have been reading on biblical ethics and moral formation for some time. I find it amazing that seminary currricula rarely require a class that focuses on this topic (That includes where I teach!. We tend to think it can or is just absorbed in one way or another. (But that is another topic for another day)

There are many good books to recommend in this area. I just finished a really good work that is a wonderful way to get oriented or introduced to the area. it is Wyndy Corbin Reuschling's Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promise and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality (Brazos Press, 2008). 

In this book she first considers the three major models of moral formation in our world today: Duty ethics (Kant), Teleology or Utilitarian ethics (Mill) and Virtue Ethics (Aristotle, MacIntyre). 

These can be summarized as follows:

1) Duty ethics (Kant): What ought we to do? Which rules should I follow? Tied to rational and laws of nature. Categorical imperative- what we must do, the good pursued for the sake of duty.

2) Teleology (Mill): What will be the outcome? Goal- happiness for the most. (Happiness, safety and security- keys to life- a common view)

3) Virtue Ethics (Aristotle); What character should I show? Exercise of virtues to attain the highest good. Well being, happiness and good. Intelelectual and moral virtues: theoretical wisdom, understanding practical wisdom- intellectual; generosity, self control, courage, modesty, self-respect, gentleness, truthfulness, humor, righteous indignation- moral virtues. (one could add humility, peacemaking, suffering for righteousness’ sake, mercy, justice). Cultivated through habits, choices and friendships. Community dimension and role lacking in other models.

She critiques what each lacks as well as noting what each one gives us. She argues for model that does not park in any one of these but uses what is good from each, as well as adding her own reflections on how a kingdom perspective impacts how we look a these three models for moral formation. She is especially concerned that our over individualized way of ethical reasoning leads to a selfish way of thinking morally and a kind of therapeutic orientation to life that is less service driven than discipleship should be. The role of community and biblical narrative are important to her as missing ingredients in our moral reflection. The messy accounts of life in Scripture are things that can lead us to reflect on how we should live. Community reflection over the complexities of life can also be of help. She wishes we utilized more of both as we think about developing moral discernment required for the messy situations of our own lives. She ends stressing the potential of three common church activities for getting us to be more morally sensitive: preaching, small groups and service as key elements in formation. 

This is a balanced and thoughtful book. It also is clearly and simply written, making it a nice read. If you have been curious to get oriented to an area that often is hard to get your hands around, this book is a good start.