Human Evolution and Christian Ethics (New Studies in Christian Ethics) [Hardcover]

Stephen J. Pope (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521863406 | ISBN-13: 978-0521863407 | Publication Date: January 21, 2008

Can the origins of morality be explained entirely in evolutionary terms? If so, what are the implications for Christian moral theology and ethics? Is the latter redundant, as socio-biologists often assert? Stephen Pope argues that theologians need to engage with evolutionary theory rather than ignoring it. He shows that our growing knowledge of human evolution is compatible with Christian faith and morality, provided that the former is not interpreted reductionistically and the latter is not understood in fundamentalist ways. Christian ethics ought to incorporate evolutionary approaches to human nature to the extent that they provide helpful knowledge of the conditions of human flourishing, both collective and individual. From this perspective, a strong affirmation of human dignity and appreciation for the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity is consistent with a revised account of natural law and the cardinal virtues.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Public conflicts between science and religion tend to pit evolutionary biology against creationist critics, especially where the origins of human life are concerned. Stephen Pope focuses on these issues in Human Evolution and Christian Ethics. Pope argues that evolutionary theory makes important positive contributions to our understanding of human flourishing and the role of faith in the development of human life."
-Christian Century

Book Description

Stephen Pope argues that our growing knowledge of human evolution is compatible with Christian faith and morality, provided that the former is not interpreted reductionistically and the latter is not understood in fundamentalist ways.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521863406
• ISBN-13: 978-0521863407
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,985,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent comparative resource, August 29, 2008

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C. McIntosh - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Human Evolution and Christian Ethics (New Studies in Christian Ethics) (Hardcover)

This book explores the many issues that arise when comparing modern human behavior to the understanding of the development of human beings as a species.
Their have been many ideas across the years that attempt to explain certain behavior in a naturalistic way. This book examines each of them indepth, giving full support for each.
You will come away with a broad understanding of the difficulty that a reductionist has with certain aspects of human behavior. The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because the author doesn't really give you any solution either.
If you want a comprehensive examination of the theories of how a super intelligent primate came to demonstrate Christian love, this is the book that will provide you with many differing views, but the author won't tell you which one is correct.