Ethics Of Belief 1 Theory

In these two volumes, Kenneth Cauthen thoroughly examines what he terms “the ethics of belief.” Simply stated, Cauthen posits that ethics are a matter of the convictions that individuals and communities have about what is right and wrong, good and evil. He contrasts this with a more traditional view that morality is based upon principles that are universally valid and objectively true. Using a biological and historical approach, in Volume 1 Cauthen systematically develops a theory of Christian ethics based on what love (agape) and justice mean in contemporary society. He examines the interface between our complex civilization and some of the radical demands of the New Testament. Cauthen’s ultimate goal is for readers to ask themselves, “How would Christ have us live in the 21st century?”

In Volume 2, Cauthen spells out the implications of this ethical theory for a wide variety of contemporary topics. He takes forthright and controversial positions on a number of social and personal issues, including abortion, illegal drugs, prostitution, assisted suicide, capital punishment, church and state relations, religion and politics, democracy, poverty, health care, wealth and income distribution, affirmative action, and homosexuality. The Ethics Of Belief is a thought-provoking work that delves deeply into some of our world’s most timely yet timeless issues.