Virtue Ethics in Christian Perspective (Cascade Companions | CC)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Virtue Ethics in Christian Perspective proposes and illustrates an activity of philosophical ethics whose purpose is to engender the love of wisdom and thus the love of virtue, and so to refine the moral character of its practitioners. Avoiding philosophical jargon and making rich use of examples, Robert C. Roberts draws on ancient Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle, both to understand the virtues and to compare Christian virtues with virtues based in a different outlook. Roberts argues that from a biblical-philosophical perspective “the good” is two-sided: (1) it is that order of peace that is called shalom, the kingdom of God, or eternal life; and (2) it is the battery of character traits that equip human beings to participate in and enjoy that order of peace.
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- Proposes and illustrates an activity of philosophical ethics.
- Argues that from a biblical-philosophical perspective “the good” is two-sided.
- Draws on ancient Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle.
- Preface
- Abbreviation
- PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUE ETHICS
- 1 What Is Ethics?
- 2 What Is a Virtue?
- 3 Virtues and Moral Outlooks
- 4 Virtues and the Law of God
- 5 Virtues as the Foundation of Ethics
- PART TWO: SOME CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
- 6 Faith, Hope, and Love
- 7 Grateful Generosity and Forgivingness
- 8 Courage, Self-Control, and Patience
- 9 Compassion, Gentleness, and Kindness
- 10 Truthfulness, Justice, and Loyalty
- 11 Joy, Wisdom, and Humility
- Postscript: Christian Virtue Ethics
- Afterword
- Bibliography
Robert Roberts’s new work is a gem that gives a beautifully clear and profound account of ethical virtues, understood from a Christian perspective. Many secular forms of ‘virtue ethics’ offer a kind of reductive theory that makes the virtues the basis for all of ethics. Roberts avoids this kind of trap by developing a view that is biblical, giving insightful analyses of the virtues as qualities God desires humans to have. However, he also considers such issues as the relation between the Christian virtues and God’s law. This book is full of practical wisdom. It will be helpful to students but appreciated by scholars as well.
—C. Stephen Evans, university professor emeritus of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University
Written by one of the world’s leading Christian philosophers, Virtue Ethics in Christian Perspective is an accessible and edifying introduction to virtue ethics understood as a field study and exercise in personal formation. Its carefully drawn and richly illustrated sketches of Christian virtues are inspiring and illuminating. It is proof positive of the ancient idea that reflecting on the good can make us better and wiser as human beings.
—Jason Baehr, professor of philosophy, Loyola Marymount University
In this short, accessible book Roberts brilliantly illuminates the Christian virtues that fit us for life in God’s order of peace. Communicated with wisdom and clarity, Roberts’ rich insights will inspire readers to grow morally and spiritually as they deepen their own joyful understanding of the virtues that form the heart of the Christian life. This is Christian ethics—and virtue ethics—at its very best.
—Adam C. Pelser, professor of philosophy, United States Air Force Academy