By Paul A. Lewis
This book claims that a distinctively Christian ethic entails developing the virtue of a practical wisdom guided by a vision of the kingdom or rule of God found in the synoptic gospels. The book is structured in three parts.
The first part contains reflections on contemporary culture wars in the U.S., a situation that provides an opportunity to reorient what we expect from ethics. Arguing that Christian ethics innovated in light of new information, cultural challenges and political opportunities, the rest of Part One sets out an interdisciplinary approach to ethics and practical wisdom that informs the rest of the book.
Since a distinctively Christian practical wisdom is grounded in a vision of God’s rule, Part Two of the book sets out an understanding of what Jesus taught about the kingdom or rule of God. Since he taught as a Jew living under Roman rule, the author first summarizes that social and political context.
The author then examines selected teachings and actions of Jesus that serve as clues to what the rule of God looks like and how they challenge the ethos of his day. In contrast to the segregation, violence, and oppression of Roman rule, Jesus teaches that God’s rule is characterized by inclusiveness, nonviolence, and justice.
But that was then, what of now? Part Three explores three test cases for how this vision of God’s rule can inform how Christians engage debates on gun control, capital punishment, and gene-editing. Since practical wisdom has to determine the response that best fits the details of the case, each study begins with a case, works through relevant information, and offers a response that fits the opening case.
The author does not intend these analyses to be the final Christian word on the matter but instead hopes they encourage readers to think, feel, and act more faithfully.
The book includes summaries and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, as well as two appendices that provide additional perspectives on how Jesus, the rule of God, and practical wisdom have been treated across Christian history.
Paul Lewis, Professor and Chair of Religion, Mercer University, Macon, GA.