A Book Critique of Wyndy Corbin Reuschling PDF

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A Book Critique of Wyndy Corbin Reuschling's Reviving Evangelical Ethics The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality

Submitted to Dr. M. Hester In partial fulfillment of the requirements of

THEO 650-B02 Ethics and Christian Ministry

Anissa Chambers July 1, 2019

1 Introduction - Goal In the American society today, Christians are more and more involved in politics desiring to turn the socialistic ideals back to a more Judeo-Christian ethical motive and cause. An evangelical is described in one of two ways, first as a person who is a Christian with high moral and spiritual standards. The second way is a group of close-minded, raciest “nut jobs” clinging to their Bibles and their guns. So, depending on what side of the political spectrum one agrees with determines the view with which one would describe an evangelical in America today. Wyndy Corbin Reuschling’s book called Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality explains that it is time for defining what is meant by Christian ethics. The goal of the book is to look at three popular models of ethics and morality with observing their influence on the evangelical ethics and morality. She wants to expose some of the failures while still encouraging Christians to rise to a higher level of ethical living. The thesis for Reuschling's book is stated that deontology, teleology, and virtue ethics have shaped evangelicalism more than “ethics according to Jesus Christ and the church He formed.”1 She does not want to do away with the classical theories of ethics but to make them more clear to believers and those in ministry to make sure that Christian ethics are exactly that, Christian ethics. This paper will give a summary of the chapters and a review of both strengths and weaknesses with a conclusion as to whether the author achieved her point of reclaiming evangelical Christian ethics. Summary Reuschling starts out in chapter one by describing the three classical theories of ethics: Kant’s concepts of deontology which focus on obeying rules rather than putting faith in the Bible. Secondly, is John Stuart Mills principles of teleology which according to the author is 1 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models and Morality (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008), 113.

2 about protecting human society so happiness is achieved. Lastly, was Aristotle’s virtue of ethics which is moral character being shaped by actions and behaviors. She concludes the chapter by saying that morals are not guaranteed because of their relationship God or a person’s personal convictions but they are discovered, developed and communicated through shared circumstances.2 Chapter two goes into the discussion on the boundaries of deontology. It dives into the idea that the theory infringes on the philosophy of “trust and obey” within the Christian mentality. Reuschling’s main point in this chapter is summed up when she said “the Christian life ought to correspond to the pattern and paradigm of Jesus and the kingdom of God.”3 Obedience must be attached to the love of God and for His word thus the author says, “Obedience, when practiced in light of the Christian story, beckons us to develop the requisite habits so that living out the demands of and allegiance to our faith in God becomes part of us.”4 Chapter three describes the churches desiring to become more modern in order to attract more people to the service. The author explains that she believes it is more about entertainment for the masses rather than pressing in for a relationship with God. She discusses the belief that it has crossed into the philosophy of utilitarianism. Her point is that she believes if left unchecked it will be something that looks like Christianity but is just an imitation. The appeal, in her opinion, is the fact it gauges moral worth by usefulness and results. Reuschling explains “Christian morality has its source in our relationship with Christ and flows from that relationship as an embodied, dynamic, and living aspect of our lives as Christians.”5 Chapter four the author is addressing Aristotle’s virtue theory and the idea of “being right with God.” 6 Reuschling explains that society is self-obsessed with major attention given to being 2 Ibid., 62. 3 Ibid., 99. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid., 113. 6 Ibid., 133.

3 healthy and to love one’s self before recognizing the needs of others.7 In this chapter she explains the desire to revive evangelical ethics all the while giving and thorough explanation of justice as viewed through a spiritual perspective. Chapter five Reuschling gets into the true intent of her critique of the classical theories by offering her own model of what she believes the true solution should consist of for the viewpoint of the evangelical ‘s ethical mentality. There are three elements that the author believes should be included are the development of a moral conscience, the role of the Christian community, and competency by thinking and practicing moral and ethical reflection and deliberation.8 In conclusion of her book which in a since is her personal pela to ministers and small group leaders she touches again on the three classical theories affirming they each have some merit in the sphere of ethical contemplation.9 The author says, “Christian morality is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, a product of the ‘saved life.’”10 Review The three classical theories although are interesting, they are all lacking in some form of Christian cohesiveness that would explain why they should be considered the model of Christian ethics. The author does and excellent job of explaining each of them, however the book at times is a little hard to read and does not point to the intended target until the conclusion. All three of these theories reject the need for God and make ethics about something else whether works, obedience or social happiness. Kant’s deontological idea believes it is just about obedience. This idea would not even need God at all to make work. Yet we know that true obedience comes out of a believer’s love and devotion for Jesus and not forced by a bunch of rules. 7 Ibid., 135. 8 Ibid., 145. 9 Ibid., 169. 10 Ibid.

4 When looking at John Stuart Mills teleology introduces the idea of utilitarianism which is about making the most people happy. The author states that utilitarianism regarding morality has no relationship with God.11 In order to have Christian believers, there must be a relationship with God. True happiness comes from being in relationship with a powerful, loving God who forgives sin and restores hope to broken lives. This philosophy cannot represent Christina ethics as there is no base for the Christian aspect. When Reuschling included this chapter, it is one of her weakest because of her stance on America not being a Christian nation and the Constitution being founded on this philosophy. Her lack of understanding of the founding of the United States of America was obvious and her opinion weakened the chapter. The last of the three is the theories is the Aristotle’s virtue theory, although this one has more biblical principles throughout it still falls short of a true evangelical Christian stance on ethics. Aristotle’s theory and Biblical morality go hand in hand regarding doing what is right and caring for others, however it still rejects the need for God. In Aristotle’s idea mankind can be good without needing God. This is a problem because we know that without God mankind is sinful. Reuschling does an excellent job of showing the need for a solid ethical foundation that relies on the Bible.

She does an excellent job helping the reader to understand why the three

main ethical theories do not work within the Christian frame or worldview.

When reading the

book one can feel the passion and plea for true Biblical foundations and the need for ministers and small group leaders to tackle these subjects in the authors writing. One of the harder areas that might cause problems is where she seems to go on a small tangent on her disappointment on how women are treated in ministry. There are some who will view this book as being a personal agenda piece and not see it for the tool it could be in helping people understand Christian ethics. Some will say that it is an effort in feminism rather than 11 Ibid., 94.

5 seeing what the book truly is, which is a shame because the ideas that she brings can bring recognition to the need for helping people understand Christian ethics. I am not sure that she is a true “feminist” but is talking a moment to vocalize her disappoint with the way in which she perceives how she is accepted and treated. If she had not used the word “feminist” and came up with better terminology she might have saved herself some ridicule. Reflection When reading this book, it cannot help but cause one to think about and reflect on the way to explain and help others to see the Christian ethical viewpoint. From that standpoint her book is a success and should be considered an important tool for helping others to share in her passion for teaching Christian ethics. I wish that she had left the part out regarding women in ministry as it takes away from the job that she did. Being a woman in ministry is hard at times, but if we do what God has called us to do, trust in His ability to make away for your giftings there is no need to draw attention to the hardships as it takes away from what you have accomplished and becomes a stumbling block for others. I would recommend this book to other ministers and encourage small group leaders to use as a tool when discussing matters of evangelical Christian ethics. I do believe that she accomplished what she set out to do and that was to bring awareness to evangelical Christian ethics for today’s church.

6 Bibliography Wyndy Corbin Reuschling. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models and Morality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008....