Making Moral Decisions In A Modern World

Lord Harries is perhaps better qualified than most to offer us an insight into how to think and practise ethically in the modern world.  Richard was Bishop of Oxford from 1987-2006 and is now an Honorary Professor of Theology at King’s College London.  He chaired the Church of England’s Board for Social Responsibility for many years, and now presides over the Ethics and Law Committee of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.

The Re-Enchantment of Morality, then, is a book designed to help us all think about making moral decisions in the modern world.  This is not as easy as some suppose, since many of our most complex ethical dilemmas are very far from being black and white issues. Moreover, the sheer range of resources available today for the making of moral decisions does not necessarily help us resolve matters. Should Christian views of morality always prevail in the midst of such religious and cultural diversity? Is (so-called) secular morality of any help here? How do moral decisions shape the lives of others?

Richard’s book, as one might expect from such a consummate debater and thinker, offers a sure-footed guide to the key debates of our age, and yet in a way that is accessible and enchanting.  Moreover, he offers an attractive and compelling perspective on how to reach moral decisions.  He considers all of this in relation to some of the strongest currents that condition our moral outlook: sex, money, power and fame.  Drawing on the radical teaching of Jesus, the great biblical theme of divine wisdom, and on contemporary ethical theories, he argues that all decisions, and not just our personal ones, have some kind of moral basis, including political and economic choices.

So this is a profound yet accessible book from one of the great Christian communicators and scholars of our age.  Richard argues that it is only in the surpassing goodness of God that morality finds its true basis and inspiration. This is a book that will inspire study groups and students. But it is also for all of us who are concerned that our society is living off the remnant of an older and sturdier moral culture, but are now no longer sure of the resources to replenish or replace it. Richard’s book will cause readers to ask hard questions of themselves; but also to have some hope in the future.  This is an excellent book, full of wisdom and insight. 

Revd. Canon Prof. Martyn Percy is
Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon & the Oxford Ministry Course