Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World

by Dennis P. Hollinger

An intelligent discussion of the foundations and methods in ethics and ways to apply a Christian worldview to our secular culture.

Genres: Theology, Christian, School, Philosophy, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a privilege to read this book and take the class with Dr Hollinger. His work is meaningful and challenging. Rather than being an work of descriptive ethics, I found the work prescriptive, allowing you to create a framework for making ethical decisions (or for that matter decisions that reflect your faith). Highly recommended.

[Akash Ahuja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want a Christian ethics book that’s written with its sights on changing our hearts and the way we feel, not aimed at our hearts and changing the way we think.

Also, I would not have understood the point of this book if I wasn’t taking a class with the author, and even still, I’m not sure that this book does what it sets out to do :/

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading but recommendable

This is a helpful beginning introduction to Christian ethics that is suitable for someone interested in the topic but not yet familiar with the terminology used in more academic discussions.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introduction to Christian ethics. The most helpful portions for me were the historical analysis of ethical champions like Mill, Barth, Brunner, and others. The writing was a bit dry, but the information is there if you want it.

[Christopher Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starting point and offers competing ideas throughout the book.

[Sam Beethoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for an undergrad ethics class. Well-researched and well-written, especially in the sections overviewing historic/philosophical movements precipitating critical points in ethical reflection.

[Michael Burchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollinger's book was required as a text for a course on Ethics I recently took. It provides a good introduction to Christian ethics in our present day. I found it helpful.

[Orville Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author probes and outlines the social and cultural streams of thought underlying American contemporary society to good effect, informing the current generation of the historical forces involved in the current morass of American civil and social dynamics. He focuses on the challenges for Christian believers.

An especially helpful contribution here is his clarification of various Christian streams in western cultural society and religion that represent different attempts to deal with changes in society and the conflicts between these different Christian movements or “schools.”

[Gregory Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to foundations and contexts of Christian ethics, as well as decision-making and applying ethics. Hollinger's exploration and discussion of Christian ethics sits well between a popular book and an academic treatment. He covers considerable material in a way that will challenge but not overwhelm the person who wants to go deeper in examining historical and current ways of understanding and practicing Christian ethics. I recommend the book.

[Ryan Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the many facets of Christian ethics. Well researched and balanced. Hollinger gives a comprehensive look at how both the historic church views ethics and how these philosophies help the modern believer navigate the very nuanced issues facing the church today.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a pleasure read, but if you are exploring the area of Christian Ethics and want to know more about it, then I would say that this book would be a very helpful source.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in ethical studies...and shouldn't we all be?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great textbook for a great class!

[Patrick Schlabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of Christian ethics in an increasingly complex world. Excellent in every respect...but really needs new cover art. ;)

[Isaac Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful overview. It offers few answers but provides multiple frameworks for thinking about ethics and how faith can interact in the public square.

[Erik Spohr · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good "first look" at the ethics from a Christian worldview.