Human evolution and Christian ethics / Stephen J. Pope.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pope, Stephen J., 1955- author.

Series:

New studies in Christian ethics. ; 28.

New studies in Christian ethics ; 28

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human evolution--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Human evolution.

Christian ethics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiii, 359 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Other Title:

Human Evolution & Christian Ethics

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Evolution and religion

The indifference of Christian ethics to human evolution

Varieties of reductionism

Faith, creation, and evolution

Chance and purpose in evolution

Human nature and human flourishing

Freedom and responsibility

Human dignity and common descent

Christian love and evolutionary altruism

The natural roots of morality

Natural law in an evolutionary context

Sex, marriage, and family.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 320-345) and indexes.

ISBN:

1-107-17830-4

0-511-55093-6

0-511-47704-X

0-511-48024-5

0-511-47559-4

0-511-47856-9

OCLC:

437089926