Category Review: Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy Introduction: Christian ethics and moral philosophy are two essential aspects of the faith that have been studied extensively by scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike. These fields explore how Christians should live their lives, make decisions, and interact with others in a way that is consistent with their beliefs and values. In this review, we will examine six books on Christian ethics and moral philosophy that offer valuable insights into these areas of study. 1. The Unformed Conscience of Evangelicalism: Recovering the Church's Moral Vision by Michael J. Van Buren: This book offers a critical examination of evangelicalism's moral vision, arguing that it has become too focused on individual salvation and neglects the broader ethical implications of the faith. Van Buren calls for a return to a more holistic understanding of Christianity that emphasizes social justice, compassion, and responsibility. He draws on examples from Scripture and history to illustrate his points and offers practical suggestions for how evangelicals can live out their faith in a more meaningful way. Overall, this book is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of ethics in evangelicalism. 2. Retrieving the Natural Law: A Return to Moral First Things (Critical Issues in Bioethics) by Christopher Maguire and Michael J. Van Buren: This book explores the concept of natural law, which is a key aspect of Catholic moral philosophy. The authors argue that natural law provides a foundation for ethical decision-making that can be applied to a wide range of issues, including bioethics. They draw on Scripture, tradition, and reason to develop a comprehensive understanding of natural law and its implications for contemporary society. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Catholic moral philosophy or seeking to understand the role of ethics in bioethical decision-making. 3. Natural Law Today: The Present State of the Perennial Philosophy by Christopher Maguire: This book provides a comprehensive overview of natural law, which has been a central aspect of Western ethical thought for centuries. Maguire argues that natural law is still relevant today and can provide guidance on a wide range of moral issues. He draws on examples from Scripture, tradition, and reason to illustrate his points and offers practical suggestions for how individuals and societies can live in accordance with natural law. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history and contemporary applications of natural law. 4. Reading Genesis 1-2: An Evangelical Conversation by John S. Feinberg: This book explores the biblical account of creation in Genesis 1-2, focusing on its ethical implications. Feinberg argues that this passage provides important insights into God's character and his relationship with humanity. He draws on exegetical and theological analysis to develop a comprehensive understanding of the moral lessons contained in these verses. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in biblical ethics or seeking to understand the ethical implications of the creation story. 5. The Just War Tradition: An Introduction (American Ideals & Institutions) by Michael J. Van Buren and Christopher Maguire: This book provides an introduction to the just war tradition, which is a key aspect of Christian ethics. The authors argue that this tradition can provide guidance on issues related to war, peace, and justice. They draw on examples from Scripture, history, and contemporary debates to illustrate their points and offer practical suggestions for how individuals and societies can live in accordance with the just war tradition. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Christian ethics or seeking to understand the role of ethics in issues related to war and peace. 6. Faithful to the End: An Introduction to Hebrews Through Revelation by Michael J. Van Buren: This book provides an introduction to the letter of Hebrews, focusing on its ethical implications. Van Buren argues that this letter offers important insights into Christian ethics and can provide guidance on issues related to faithfulness, perseverance, and hope. He draws on exegetical and theological analysis to develop a comprehensive understanding of the moral lessons contained in this letter. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in biblical ethics or seeking to understand the ethical implications of the letter of Hebrews. Conclusion: These six books offer valuable insights into Christian ethics and moral philosophy, providing practical guidance on issues related to faithfulness, perseverance, hope, war, peace, justice, natural law, and biblical ethics. They draw on a wide range of sources, including Scripture, tradition, reason, history, and contemporary debates, to develop comprehensive understandings of these areas of study.