Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
In this important and timely study, Frank Kirkpatrick draws on theology, political philosophy and the social sciences more generally to develop a Christian ethic of community.
Synopsis
In this important and timely study, Frank Kirkpatrick draws on theology, political philosophy and the social sciences more generally to develop a Christian ethic of community.
Booknews
This first volume of the series (titles devoted to the ethics of gender, sex, nature, and race are forthcoming) addresses the concept of Christian moral community (), the lessons of past experimental American and European Christian communities, and the philosophy of John Macmurray. Kirkpatrick (religion, Trinity College) cautions against "losing the authenticity of the church community in indiscriminate engagement with the secular world," and attempts to balance "the appeal of community with the need for individual `space.'" Kirkpatrick then suggests a future for Christian communities confronting issues of social injustice<-->especially those concerned with economic class. Holding the text together is "the intention of God working with and through human beings to bring God's vision of community to fruition." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"In the Ethics of Community, Frank Kirkpatrick has written a scholarly dissertation on the roots of the idea of community and state in Biblical and secular thought. I am grateful to Dr. Kirkpatrick for this book, which raises all the right questions." Good News, The Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
"This is a work of theological ethics, but one informed by philosophy and conversant with Western history...This is a scholarly book, written on a theoretical level and in an abstract style for fellow scholars. It is appropriate for research libraries in the fields of theology, philosophy, and history." Choice
"I can see this book being used not only by students in the academy, but also by congregational communities such as the author defines. In this way the ethics of community will spread from the classroom into the church community, and through both hopefully into all of society." Reviews in Religion and Theology
"Kirkpatrick's chief strength is an understanding of the teleology that is specific to the church and how it informs the way church and society interact." Journal of Religion