Community, Liberalism and Christian Ethics

A theological exploration of themes in moral philosophy, and a theological assessment of the debate between communitarians and liberals.

This book is an examination of issues in the related fields of moral philosophy and Christian theology. It raises the question of whether and to what extent Christian moral presuppositions are distinctive or are held in common with other persons and communities.This book explores some issues on the borderland between moral philosophy and Christian theology. Particular attention is paid to the issues at stake between liberals and communitarians and the dispute between realists, non-realists and quasi-realists. In the course of the discussion the writings of Alasdair MacIntyre, George Lindbeck and Stanley Hauerwas are examined. While sympathetic to many of the typical features of post-liberalism, the argument is critical at selected points in seeking to defend realism and accommodate some aspects of liberalism. The position that emerges is more neo-Barthian than post-liberal. In maintaining the distinctiveness of Christian ethics and community, the book also seeks to acknowledge common moral ground held by those within and without the church.