Becoming Good: Building Moral Character [Paperback]

David W. Gill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2000

Becoming good--building character--is what we all want for ourselves and for others. But where do we begin? Becoming good is not simply a matter of a few dos and don'ts. In fact we can't begin to do the right things until we have built an adequate foundation. This is precisely what David Gill sets out to help us do. His approach is deeply rooted within the Christian tradition and specifically designed for people who want to allow Scripture to shape the way they think and act. Gill's arguments are not drawn from ethical theory (though they are informed by it) but from the Bible--from Paul's admonitions to faith, hope and love, and from Jesus' Beatitudes. Here is rich, biblical teaching that will help people from every walk of life--whether engineers, bus drivers, managers, restaurant workers, PTA members, parents, neighborhood volunteers, nurses, teachers, coaches, attorneys, journalists or physicians--fulfill their calling to be salt and light within their own spheres of influence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In an easygoing style, he blueprints a Christian-ethics model for the new millennium . . . could become a classic. -- CBA Marketplace, September 2000

About the Author

David W. Gill is Carl I. Lindberg Professor of Applied Ethics at North Park University in Chicago and codirector of the Institute for Business, Technology, and Ethics. He was instrumental in the founding of New College Berkeley and served that institution as dean and later as president. He is the author of Peter the Rock and The Opening of the Christian Mind.

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (August 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822720
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822720
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to Christian Ethics!, September 26, 2001

By 

Jennifer (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming Good: Building Moral Character (Paperback)

David W. Gill's "Becoming Good: Building Moral Character" is a wonderful and potentially life changing book, the first in a series on Christian Ethics. Gill describes Christian ethics in layman's terms, with full explaination of his reasoning behind each point he makes. At no point is the reader left behind in a sweeping leap of logic, and no prior knowledge is needed to comprehend his discussion. I highly recommend the book, and eagerly await the publishing of the next one!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written book on an important topic, August 20, 2002

By 

Michael Erisman (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming Good: Building Moral Character (Paperback)

This is an excellent book on an important topic. I enjoyed both the style of the writing - which uses a conversational tone with a scholarly slant - and the topic itself. One of the most appealing features of the writing itself is the way the book is laid out with footnotes included on each page. This is an informative and helpful way to present information.

The topic itself is one that has much relevance today. I think that Dr. Gill attempted to take a somewhat objective approach by spelling out theories and data, and while presenting an opinion, was not "preachy" in doing so. I also know David personally, and can attest that the themes presented here are genuine and reflect his character.

One highlight in particular was the first couple chapters and the interesting way to look at Christian approaches to the "world". This is must reading for any Christian, regardless of denomination or background.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who has an interest in "becoming good".

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Excellent for parents in the instruction of children...", May 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Becoming Good: Building Moral Character (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Gill's book, and its shortcomings have been previously mentioned. However, it needs to be emphasized that the author is Scriptural in his foundation-tenets, which make his recommendations all the more relevant.

Yes, the format is somewhat academic--personally, I saw this as strength, not a weakness. Not everyone (obviously) will agree. But the tone and voice of the author are pleasing, and I cannot imagine one person not being blessed by the instructions found within. The contents would also be an excellent study for parents in the instruction of children.

I can only recall one other book, "With Joseph in the University of Adversity", which spells out so clearly the things that make up character in the Christian life. While that book is more universal in its appeal and a significantly easier read, Gill by no means addresses a restricted audience. RECOMMENDED.