LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Book Review: Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of
Morality
Submitted to Dr. Gavril Andreicut, Ph.D.,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the completion of any course
THEO 650 - B03
Ethics and Christian Ministry
by
Kendra L. Gillis
June 16, 2019
Goal
The intended goal of Dr. Wyndy Corbin Reuschiling’s book Reviving Evangelical Ethics:
The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality is to articulate the essential aspects of
Christian faith for how they shape our lives by calling us to take even more seriously the
authority of Jesus Christ, the scriptures that shape and guide us in a multitude of ways, and the
Christian community as a morally forming one.1
Summary
Chapter 1: Classic Models of Morality
In this chapter, Reuschling, who identifies herself as an evangelical, spends time
describing three classic theories in ethics: deontology that is proposed by Immanuel Kant,
teleology that is proposed by Joh Stuart Mills and virtue ethics which is proposed by Aristotle.
Deontology studies duty or obligation. This theory takes a moral stand and presents a question
of what one should do in a situation. It is the compass that dictates doing that which is morally
right. This is more for those evangelicals who feel that the Bible rules must be obeyed no matter
its context or the intention of the rule. The flaw with this theory is that it does not give room for
the development of discernment in the believer. The Scriptures must be investigated for
accuracy of modern-day application. Teleology deals with making the decision of situation to
create the greatest result with minimal damage. This theory is tailored more towards individual
involvement for the creation of pleasure and happiness. The flaw in this theory is that there is
more focus on the individual than the community itself. Virtue ethics encompasses the moral
development of a person’s character. This is based on the things that the person does that will
produce behavior that is morally upright.
Reuschling uses each of these theories to show how they should be received by a
1 Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Reviving Evangelical Ethics, (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008), 9.
Christian and how the Christian should apply them to Christian ethics. The strength of this
chapter is that the author provided ample information for each theory for the reader to make an
informed decision about which theory is more relatable to them. The weakness that I saw is that
the context of the information is over complicated with the explanation of each theory. It could
have been articulated in a much simpler terminology for the basic evangelical to comprehend
without pulling out a dictionary.
Chapter 2: Trust and Obey
Reuschling focuses on the limitations of deontology and how it relates to the “trust and
“obey idea as it pertains to the mindset of the Christian and having them obey the scriptures
verbatim without question. This kind of deontological approach to scripture essentially serves to
undermine the numerous ways in which we are to really follow the scriptures by living its story
as our own.2 We are to live our lives according to the guidelines set forth in the Scriptures. This
provides formation for our moral lives.
Chapter 3: We’re a Story to Tell
In this chapter, Reuschling discusses the issue of meeting people in whatever state that
they are in for the effort that a lot more people may come into a relationship with Jesus Christ
and whether the best interest of the church is being served. She exposes the limitations of
utilitarian and its mask to appeal to the audience that are looking to perform works as a way to
measure moral worthiness and gauge results. This type of doctrine falls into the realm that the
actions of the church members are to benefit the majority, yet this church doctrine is not biblical
in nature but sits on the fence of being considered legalistic.
Reuschling points out a few flaws with this theory. She states that this theory makes people
think that it is the church’s responsibility to take care of the needs of the religious consumer.
2 Ibid, 65.
Another flaw is this theory gives believers the false notion that they can apply the parts of
Christianity that appeals to their lives. This theory is also self-serving as it does not promote
servitude for others.
Chapter 4: Sweet Hour of Prayer
Aristotle’s virtue theory has limitations just the same as the other two theories. This
theory focuses on the internal processes that helps a person to “be right with God” yet they don’t
do anything that gets them to the place where they would have to do right. The moral life is not
a given, but one that needs to be nurtured and practiced by developing habits in light of an
informing vision.3 Aristotle’s approach to this view simply states that his theory was more for
social acceptance than righteous acceptance. Reuschling counteracted that theory with an
explanation of Jesus being the righteous example of how the Christian moral life should be lived.
She likened this to spiritual formation in the believer’s life. Reuschling stated that perhaps the
healthiest thing we can do for ourselves is to stop thinking about ourselves and tend to the needs,
concerns, and situations of others, lending us an empathetic and wider perspective so crucial for
morality.
Chapter 5: Reviving Evangelical Ethics
Reuschling offers up this chapter as another overview and analysis of the three classic
theories: deontology, teleology and virtue ethics. She presents an idea that suggests that there are
three dimensions of morality that is essential to an evangelical’s mentality. These three
dimensions are the conscience being developed, the role that the Christian community plays and
practicing moral reflection & ethical deliberation.
3 Ibid, 115.
Bibliography
Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic
Models of Morality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008.
