Retrieving the Natural Law: A Return to Moral First Things (Critical Issues in Bioethics

by J. Daryl Charles

Restating what all people intuit and what this means in moral, specifically bioethical, discourse is the raison d'être  for this volume. J.áDaryl Charles argues that a traditional metaphysics of natural law lies at the heart of the present reconstructive project, and that a revival in natural-law thinking is of the highest priority for the Christian community as we contend in, rather than abdicate, the public square.

Nowhere is this more on display than in the realm of bioethics, where the most basic moral questions -- human personhood, human rights versus responsibilities, the reality of moral evil, the basis of civil society -- are being debated. With his timely application of natural-law thinking to the field of bioethics, Charles seeks to breathe new life back into this key debate.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

356 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2008

Reviews

[Zach]

Excellent introduction to Christian natural law theory. Advocates of natural law don’t have to agree with all of Charles’ applications of it to grasp that his outline of the theological concept is superb- and immensely helpful.

[Josiah Richardson]

An excellent explanation and defense of natural law. This covers it from all angles including Catholic, magisterial reformers, Protestants, and others. One of the most comprehensive and detailed treatments I have read so far on this topic.

[Daniel Crouch]

Though Charles touches on many interesting topics and makes several sympathizable points, his overall style of argumentation is extremely problematic and distracting from his ultimate goal.