I’m currently reading…A Pocket Guide to Ethical Issues
October 28, 2007
I find myself drawn to a particular definition of the word Theology on Dictionary.com.
It describes it as ‘The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions’.
It’s the latter part of that definition that interests me most: the rational inquiry. I’ve recently taken an interest in this field, so much that I now dedicate a considerable part of my already very filled working week to studying it.
Never being one to ease myself in gently, I’m particularly interested in the big questions: Is marriage still relevant today? How far can one go with science in a quest to become a parent? Can war of any sort be ethically and morally justified? What’s the big deal about stem cell research? How do we balance capitalism with the obligations we have to the less privileged, be they individuals or whole countries?
As part of my studies, I’m currently reading A Pocket Guide to Ethical Issues by Andrew Goddard.
It’s not big; it’s only got 220 pages. But the subject matter manages to cover the range of topics listed above, and more.
I must admit that I expected a certain level of prescription from Goddard. Being an Anglican priest, I did fear he would focus solely on perspectives relating to the orthodox Christian faith.
But Goddard does a good job of presenting the various viewpoints, as well as the arguments for and against each. Having given the merits and demerits of each case he leaves you to decide where you stand, which makes the book educational and refreshing.
It’s available on Amazon.
