A Book Review
By Darold H. Morgan
Walking in the Way
"An Introduction to Christian Ethics"
By Joe. E. Trull
Broadman and Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, 1997
Walking in the Way is a good book which deserves a wide reading. It is exceptionally well-written, replete with solid research, timely, and biblically oriented. It demonstrates this author`s ability to wade through complex and controversial waters and produce material which beautifully supports his title, "Walking in the Way." This book merits a place on the desks of pastors and teachers and thoughtful believers everywhere.
While this volume was written as a text for the academic discipline of Christian ethics, as one works through it, it soon becomes apparent that these pages are immensely helpful to laity and clergy alike. Guidance is provided in the multifaceted field of ethics from a distinctively Christian point of view. There are manifold issues to consider, some ancient and some modern, and the current issues are expanding at a breathtaking rate. Confirmation is especially evident in Trull`s chapter on Biomedical Ethics. That preconceived ideas and prejudices about these issues abound is obvious. That many church leaders have abdicated their leadership responsibilities because they lack substantive information is painfully apparent.
There are many strengths in Trull`s book. One of the major ones is its readability. Dr. Trull has a pronounced skill in his writing technique which is particularly rare in this field. His techniques are effective and his reasoning is persuasive. He is able to take complicated philosophical and theological concepts and translate them into understandable conclusions.
Another strength is the organization of the book. It is divided into two parts: Foundations for Christian Ethics and Issues in Christian Ethics. He develops the basic framework for an approach to Christian ethics with a very helpful section on Greek philosophy. Usually one is quickly mired in the vagaries of these ancient teachers whose influence in all succeeding generation is acknowledged. Yet Trull nails down simply and effectively these necessary corollaries which are of major value for background and direction in this fundamental area of foundations.
An additional positive strength in this book is evident in both of these major sections-the author`s deep and abiding respect for biblical truth. Before he goes on to the specific Issues in Christian Ethics, Part 2, he establishes with specific precision and effectiveness his conclusions about the Bible. Repeatedly through the book, there is a refreshing biblical exegesis which confirms his statement that "the Bible is an indispensable and reliable source of ethical wisdom for Christians" (p. 232). In today`s theological minefield of conflicting views about the nature of biblical authority, it is helpful to read Trull`s conclusions about the Bible, particularly as they relate to the divisive issues of the day.
Ethical issues have a way of reflecting the culture of the day, but the principles the author presents from the Bible are powerfully consistent. "The most important test for determining the ethical authority of biblical materials is to ask the question-`Does the ethical teaching reflect the character and nature of God`?-the moral truth gleaned must never contradict the integrity of God. The authority of the Bible is derived from God, who is truly absolute" (p. 45). Trull`s high view of biblical revelation and authority is balanced, helpful, sensible, and refreshing. Frankly, all segments of the confused theological world of today should agree with these stated views of biblical authority as they relate to "Christian ethics as a way of life."
J. Trull quotes widely from ethicists of I many backgrounds and varied approaches. His research is carefully done with the endnotes constituting a fine and current bibliography for the ethics student who wishes to go further into these issues. A beautiful tribute to Southern Baptist` master ethicist, T.B. Maston, is obvious throughout the book. Quotations abound from writers like Stanley Haueraus, Douglas Stewart, Waldermar Janzen, Gordon Fee, H. Richard Neibuhr, Reinhold Neibuhr, Carl F. H. Henry, Paul Ramsay, Barth, Brunner, Bultmann, Bonhoeffer, James McClendon, Daniel McGee, John Bennett, Richard Foster, Max Weber, and others.
This sampling of renowned authors is listed not only to point out the breadth of Trull`s research, but also to emphasize the wide-ranging scale of his sources. Ethics by its very nature is controversial and debatable. Effective scholarship mandates an understanding of as many points of view as possible. In this Trull excels.
Part 2 in the book brings the reader to most of the major ethical issues we face today. This section is worth more than the price of the book. The format is good and consistent in each of the chapters. There is first a statement of the issue and its relevance. Then comes a solidly stated biblical background for the issue. This is followed by a brief historical overview. What follows then in each of the specific chapters in Issues is of major importance as the issue is considered in perspective with the Christian response and application being then clearly stated.
The issues considered are (1) Sexuality and Marriage; (2) Human Equality- Gender and Race; (3) Biomedical Ethics; (4) Economics and Politics. Let the reviewer repeat himself: every pastor and teacher needs to be apprised afresh of these complex and urgent challenges facing all of us. Trull`s fresh and useful conclusions will assist with formulating healthy and needed points of view in these areas. Congregations and classes desperately need practical biblical guidance here.
This section contains some helpful guidelines on current ethical issues such as homosexuality, authority and submission in marriage, abortion, racism, the role of women in religious leadership, euthanasia, genetic engineering, reproduction technologies, hunger and poverty, and church and state. What Trull does is to consider this array of ethical challenges (many of them of recent origin) in the context of biblical principles.
Trull is right on target when he concludes that "in the Christian faith, theology and ethics are married" (p.285). This expands on his comment that "Christian belief without ethical behavior is not genuine faith" (p. 285). The primary goal of a study like this is to develop a trustworthy style of making sound moral judgments. Joe Trull`s Walking in the Way is characterized by sound biblical guidelines and practical Christian principles which can really work in the ethical challenges which keep on coming at us in this kind of world.
Buy this book and study it. Underline it and keep it. Preach it and teach it.
