Christian Ethics and Human Nature

Originally delivered as the John Albert Hall Lectures in 1999, these essays examine the relationship between the secular view of human nature and Christian views of human nature. Having done so, the essays go on to explore the ways that the differences between the two views affect the ethics that inform both Christian activity and non-Christian activity. The author sets out first to identify characteristics that distinguish Christian ethics from secular ethics in a world that commonly sees itself as having adopted Christian ethics. Second, Penelhum analyzes the understanding of human nature that is implied by Christian ethics. Third, he identifies the ways that the Christian view of human nature responds to other religions' views of human nature. Finally, he identifies how the Christian view of human nature ought to be affected by the recognition that human nature is a part of Nature as a whole. Throughout the book, Penelhum places Christian ethics in dialogue with science, psychology, and religious pluralism in an engaging and highly productive way. Terence Penelhum is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary. He is the author of God and Skepticism.