Legislating Morality: Is It Wise? Is It Legal? Is It Possible? [Paperback]

Norman L. Geisler (Author), Frank Turek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

All Laws Legislate Morality

Whose Morality Should We Legislate?

America’s moral decline is no secret. An alarming number of moral and cultural problems have exploded in our country since 1960—a period when the standards of morality expressed in our laws and customs have been relaxed, abandoned, or judicially overruled.

Conventional wisdom says laws cannot stem moral decline. Anyone who raises the prospect of legislation on the hot topics of our day—abortion, family issues, gay rights, euthanasia—encounters a host of objections:

"As long as I don’t hurt anyone the government should leave me alone."

"No one should force their morals on anyone else."

"You can’t make people be good."

"Legislating morality violates the separation of church and state."

Legislating Morality advocates a moral base for America without sacrificing religious and cultural diversity, debunking the myth that "morality can’t be legislated" and amply demonstrating how liberals, moderates, and conservatives alike exploit law to promote good and curtail evil. This book boldly challenges prevailing thinking—about right and wrong and about our nation’s moral future.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Norman Geisler is president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Geisler holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Wheaton College, a Th.D. from William Tyndale College, and a Ph.D. from Loyola University in Chicago.

Frank Turek is a former assistant professor at George Washington University and is a specialist in Legislative and Regulatory management. He holds a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University and is working toward a Th.M. in Apologetics from Veritas Graduate School. size : 5.4 x 8.3 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592441521
• ISBN-13: 978-1592441525
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Law > Constitutional Law > Civil Rights

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Every citizen should read this book July 21, 2004

By David Hoshour

Format:Hardcover

This is the best book I have seen on this topic. Through a very concise and logical presentation, it answers objections from those who are opposed to legislating morality and those that question whether political activism is a proper focus of Christians. A brief history lesson helps put things in perspective. Legislating religion vs. legislating morality is also covered, as are short sections on specific moral issues like abortion and homosexuality. Appendixes include the Declaration of Independence and Amendments to the Constitution.

The book is clear, well-written and well-researched, as you would expect from Norman Geisler or Frank Turek. It is not dry. Every citizen, whether conservative or liberal, should read this book. Conservative Christians will be especially interested.

18 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Debunks Separation of Church and State December 25, 2003

By Stephe Staedtler

Format:Paperback

Many Christians have foolishly bought into public school arguments about separation of church and state. This book goes back to all the court decisions which were made over the last 100 years which led to this common idea we hear today. The book clearly shows that Jefferson never intended separation of church and state the way it is being taken out of context today. I was shocked to find that it isn't even mentioned in the Constitution and am surprised so many Christians have bought into this. I now see that it is "freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." This part to me is the most helpful part of the book. This book will help you not feel like you are somehow "inflicting your religion on someone else" and that all laws are in essence, a legislation of someone's morality.

The book also does an excellent job of tackling issues such as homosexuality, euthenasia, and abortion. The thing I like best about the book, though, is that it shows that the government still has a right to make moral laws. It is not a matter of whether moral laws will be made, it is just a matter of whose morals. I won't say I agree with 100% of what is in this book, but the book is very helpful with debate, especially for those who claim you are forcing your religion on them.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for Christian and conservatives October 8, 1999

By A viewer in Chicago

Format:Hardcover

This book is an excellent tool for those of us Christians and conservatives debating these issues with relativists and liberals..Norman Giesler who has been my hero in the faith does a great job along with Frank Turek in addressing the tough issues in our day and age that have brought our society to a modern day Sodom and Gomorah. I challenge liberals to read this book and really examine what it is you believe. The arguments are compelling and convincing. Dr Geisler has debated top athiests and humanists all over the world I think he has done his homework on the subject. EXCELLENT BOOK!!