The How and Why of Love: An Introduction to Evangelical Ethics by Michael Hill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a really good introduction to the subject of ethics, and how we should develop our worldviews to tackle complex issues. The author does this through four sections in the book: Understanding Ethics, The Bible and Ethics, Moral Issues and finally Practical Application.
In the first section, Hill sets out to explain the different views on ethics, along side their pros and cons. He then closes with why evangelical ethics trumps the others. This is quite a dense section, but fascinating none-the-less. A lot of the discussion comes down to whether we are primarily individuals or community; and based on that, whether intentions or goals are most important.
In the second chapter, Hill develops the ‘evangelical ethics’ position he started with, showing how the Bible salvation story is progressive, and therefore we can’t just flat line the ethical code found in it. This is a very good section that I wish many Christians I know would come to understand.
Michael then takes us on a tour of moral issues that are in the headlines today, applying the model he has developed as he goes. He tackles marriage, divorce, homosexuality, abortion and euthanasia. Even years after the book was written, we still see these issues daily in the news.
Finally, he speaks to what general application can be made based off the ethical system he’s developed throughout the book. My summary of his point would be that we are to seek mutual loving relationships of individuals living in community.
Overall
Overall, this is a great book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Biblical ethic, and who wants to take our place in salvation history, and our responsibilities seriously.
