Book Review: "Christian Ethics: Options and Issues" by Norman L. Geisler

This book, originally published in 1989, is one that I have been using over the past two months. I have been teaching a class for Faulkner University’s military education program on Christian Ethics. This book by Norman Geisler has served as the textbook.

The book is divided into two major sections. The first section (chapters 1-7) deals with general information concerning ethics and the six major views of ethics. This section is very helpful in helping one understand why some people believe a certain way that may be the polar opposite of my belief system. It also does an adequate job in providing critiques of these different belief systems.

In the second major section (chapters 8-16) major ethical issues are discussed. I was sorely disappointed in some of the chapters, although it must be remembered that this is a survey book. No one issue can be discussed in great detail in a 310-page book. The issues discussed in this section are:

• Abortion (chapter 8)
• Euthanasia (9)
• Biomedical Issues (10)
• Capital Punishment (11)
• War (12)
• Civil Disobedience (13)
• Homosexuality (14)
• Marriage and Divorce (15)
• Ecology (16)

The chapter on marriage and divorce draws incorrect conclusions. The writer obviously believes that one may divorce for more reasons that just adultery, so long as the divorcee asks for forgiveness from the Father. The writer does not say, however, that the divorcee must then be reconciled to the innocent party or live a life of celibacy. Only such would constitute true repentance, however.

In my opinion, the best chapter in the book is the one dealing with issues concerning ecology. This is an issue that is often overlooked in our congregations. God created everything, but man is the steward of the earth. How should man deal with this massive responsibility? The writer does a great job of presenting many of the issues involved.

If you are interested in preaching a series of sermons or teaching a Bible class based upon some of these issues, this book will be a help. You will not always agree with the author, but the presentation of multiple sides to the issues will be appreciated. If you wish to buy this book, my recommendation is to buy it used. You may look at half.com’s listing of the book by clicking here.