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This book examines the moral philosophy of Paul Ramsey-one of the 20th century's most influential ethicists-from a theological perspective illustrating that religion can still play a substantial role in our ongoing moral inquiries. Ramsey wrote prodigiously on ethical issues including politics, medical research, the Vietnam war, and nuclear proliferation. His ethical theory, which concentrates on divine love, or `agape,' as well as justice and order, provides a middle ground between fundamentalism and secularism. Therefore, Ramsey's ethics will appeal to the 21st-century social conscience.
McKenzie grounds his theological exploration in a comprehensive history of the theological and philosophical influences on Ramsey's thought, including Jonathan Edwards' theory of natural morality. He also explores a multidisciplinary selection of Ramsey's writings. In conclusion, McKenzie argues that Ramsey's natural law theory will continue to have significant and increasing relevance for morality in the postmodern world. This is the most thorough study of Paul Ramsey's work as well as a significant contribution to philosophy and theology.
List of contents
Foreword by John P. Crossley
Preface
Introduction--Speaking His Mind in the Public Square
The Theological Foundations of Ramsey's Thought
The Bible and Paul Ramsey
Natural Law--The Splendor of Natural Morality
Medical Ethics--Ethics at the Margins of Life
Fighting the Just War
Conclusion--For Such a Time as This
Bibliography
Index
About the author
MICHAEL C. McKENZIE is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Keuka College in upstate New York. He is the author of
Understanding the Faith of Jehovah's Witnesses (1999),
Philosophy for Normal People (1998),and is Associate Editor of the forthcoming
World Mythology (2001). He has taught at the college level for eight years.
