How can we make decisions that are consistent with our basic values? We must first, J. Philip Wogaman says, identify basic moral presumptions that can guide our thought as we face moral dilemmas. These basic moral presumptions include equality, grace, the value of human life, the unity of humankind, preferential claims for the poor and marginalized, and the goodness of creation. The burden of proof, he argues, must be borne by decisions that are contrary to such presumptions. He pulls into the conversation difficult ethical issues such as divorce, sexuality, abortion, political choices, economic justice, affirmative action, homosexuality, nuclear disarmament, economic globalization, global warming, international security, environmental policies, and military power. In the process, he provides a smart and helpful guide to Christian ethical behavior.
J. Philip Wogaman is Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary, past President of the American Theological Society, past President of the Society of Christian Ethics, and past President of the Interfaith Alliance. He is the former Senior Pastor at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, and is the author of many books, including Moral Dilemmas: An Introduction to Christian Ethics and What Christians Can Learn from Other Religions.
