LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
A Book Critique of “Reviving Evangelical Ethics” Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Author
Submitted to Professor Malcolm Hester
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
Theo 650-D02
Public Theology
By
Eldon Jones
August 2, 2020
Wyndy Corbin-Reuschling, Ashland Theological Seminary professor of ethics and
theology, utilizes the three classic models of morality to examine the “promises and pitfalls”
associated with each. The three theories of ethics; Deontology, Teleology, and Virtue ethics, are
represented by Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and Aristotle, respectively. In this attempt to
revive evangelical ethics, Reusching reveals how these classic theories may “conflict and
diverge” from a Christian narrative and how they live their moral lives.1 The thought being, the
influence that guides society and the Christian understanding of ethics and morality, have very
limited biblical foundation, and this is molding the beliefs and practices of evangelicals.
In a didactic manner, with moral instruction as an ulterior motive, Reusching goes about
the goal of reconstructing ethics and moral formation going beyond the view of the classics and
implementing more “narratives of Christian ethics—such as scripture, the kingdom of God, and
the Christian community—to help us develop capacities in moral agency, moral discernment, and
the formation of conscience.”2 Reuschling commits to addressing the misconceptions that are
associated with “the topic of ethics in general and Christian ethics in particular” 3which is her
goal in this work.
Chapter one consists of the presentation of each of the classics and the position of the
representative chosen for each one. Each are followed by an “appeal and appropriation” from the
author giving a better-balanced train of though for a Christian with God and the Bible
prominently guiding the narrative. Reusching begins with Immanuel Kant and his position on
1 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics:The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality
(Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008), 10.
2 Ibid., 11.
3 Ibid., 10.
Deontology. Kant’s moral philosophy was founded on what was termed “categorical
imperative,” in which morality is a duty or obligation. Kant gives four concepts of duty; “1)
morality is universal and mandatory for everyone, 2) follow the “Golden Rule,” 3) obey
irrespective of personal character and consequence, and 4) humans are essentially logical,
distinctive, and independent.”4 Reuschling offers amendments to these concepts of duty more
appropriate for evangelicals in their understanding of moral claims and duties.5 A Kantian
morality, 1) appeals to those seeking universal and binding for all making clear distinctions
between right and wrong.6 2) the “Golden rule,” or a “do unto others as you would have them do
unto you” (Matt 7:12) feel acquainted with Kant’s second formula, which may take away from
scriptural context to lead some to believe the ends justifies the means.7 3) Kant’s “straight
forward” and “simplistic” understanding of one’s moral obligation is to obey, regardless of
personal dispositions and outcomes.8 Finally, Reuschling shares Kant’s “Enlightenment
assumptions” in that no rational and autonomous person needs a narrative for his or her life, and
his moral theory providing a way to view the Bible and select teachings as simply a bunch of
rules to be obeyed.”9 Reuschling continues with Mills, Teleology, and the utilitarian belief of the
“greater good” so to speak. Reuschling focused in on happiness and the idea that people define
happiness in many different ways, this model gives persons the right to describe happiness
however they wish to describe it or however one tends to believe because of fundamental rights.
The chapter closes with Aristotle and his model of Virtue Ethics which is the thought that moral
character is shaped by actions and behaviors. He believed there are two kinds of virtue,
4 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics:The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality
(Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008), 40.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
intellectual and moral, and it is behavior and intentions that restrain and direct human
determination or will.10 without despute of these factors the author emphasizes the importance of
the evangelicals understanding the limitations of ethical practices according to scripture.11
In chapter two Reuschling concentrates on the limits of deontology and the concepts of
“trust and obey.” The author points out that evangelical ethics can not be summed up or
performed on the bases of rules to be obeyed or duties to be carried out.12 Assembly together,
worshipping God, trusting the Spirit of God, and interaction with the Bible is the foundation of
followers of Christ which is ethics according to scripture.13 A person cannot obey God without
practicing the love of God and having a relationship with God.
Moving forward, Reuschling discusses the limitations of Utilitarianism and the “kingdom
way.” Operating on the premise that in “Christian claims of faith” discipleship and morality are
not optional and just “getting saved” is not the conclusion of the matter.14 Reuschling presses the
fact that a relationship with God is more important than the numbers on the roster. Quality not
quantity so to speak. Discipleship must bear results, the scriptural bases being, “Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (JHN 15:8 KJV) The
author believes that evangelical practices can be moved forward appropriately using “results-
oriented perspectives” concentrating on not only what’s good (Mills), but also what works.15
10 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics:The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality
(Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008), 54.
11 Ibid., 62-63.
12 Ibid., 65.
13 Ibid.
14 Ibid., 89-94.
15 Ibid., 113.
Aristotle’s “personal virtue ethics,” or every soul for themselves, is discussed in chapter
four. The author dispels the thought that just being right with God is enough. Being right with
others as well as recognizing the needs others is a part of evangelical ethics. The author uses the
popular “what would Jesus do?” phrase changing it to what she states is a more accurate
question, “what did Jesus actually do?” in the subject of Spiritual formation as moral formation.16
If one transforms their life to follow Christ and be obedient to the word of God the Christlike
morals should be a reflection of that person.
Chapter five is the platform in which the author brings the purpose of the work together.
Reviving Evangelical Ethics becomes more than a title when Reuschling gives suggested steps
towards reviving evangelical ethics in churches and communities. Moral conscience, community,
and competency become steps in the blueprint to accomplish this goal. The author points out
that, “Moral development requires the formation and use of conscience.”17 In a sense “He who
knows better, does better,” scripturally speaking, “Therefore to him that knoweth to
do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”(JAS 4:17 KJV) A moral conscience should reflect the
biblical ethics being taught. These ethics must be instilled in the communities these churches
represent. If evangelicals must develop a moral conscience, it stands to reason those being
evangelized in that community must unlearn certain ethical beliefs passed on through the classic
models of morality known for generations. Lastly the author states, “Because practical wisdom is
a skill, it has the potential of being learned and developed for competent use in Christian ethics.18
One of the key factors in revitalizing evangelical ethics is using the wisdom given by God to
competently disciple. “If any
16 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics:The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality
(Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008), 115.
17 Ibid., 145.
18 Ibid., 162.
of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and
it shall be given him.” (JAS 1:5 KJV)
The author does an excellent job unpacking the three classical theories individually and
revealing how each fall short of how Christian ethics, according to the word of God, should be
practiced. Pointing out the responsibility of each human being to recognize and practice moral
sensitivities and character, while living a life of virtue and goodness is always a highlight in the
reading. It is also refreshing to absorb the importance of deontology, teleology, and virtue ethics,
without sacrificing the serious need for Christian ethics and Christian morality. Reuschling does
well formatting an approach toward a moral discourse that works in the context of a Christian
narrative. This being said, Reuschling succeeded in the articulation of the three classic theories
and the Christian narrative, with all the conflict, diverge, and assumptions each may have. She
also offered a formula helpful in the reconstruction of ethics and moral formation for
evangelicals using the scripture, the kingdom of God as well as the communities of the Christian
and life encouraged and taught by evangelicals. This approach is nicely balanced and easily
comprehended as the author presents a blueprint for a more complete Christian approach towards
ethics.
Reuschling’s comparison of the three views on ethics is a commendable visual of the
contrast between Corbin-Reuschling, Wilkins, and Geisler. It is clear in the context that each
share similar approaches to Christian ethics and make viable points in the practice of
evangelicals in their attempts to share a more spiritual, biblical, and moral approach in
evangelistic ethics. Although at times it is difficult to follow her strong views on subjects such as
Utilitarianism, and the understanding of what is good for all, she continuously clarifies her goal
of reconstructing evangelical ethics utilizing the classic theories and sound scripture as a
foundation.
6
Bibliography
Wyndy Corbin Reuschling. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic
Models and Morality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008.
