Springer Ethical Exploration in a Multifaith Society

This book considers the theory and application of ethics for a multifaith society. Much ethics taught in the UK has been dominated by Christian ethics, their relation to secularism and by the Enlightenment’s reaction against theology as a basis for ethical thought. In contrast to these perspectives this book brings secular and theological ethics into dialogue, considering the degree to which secular ethics has common roots with theological perspectives from various traditions. The book assesses the application of ethical and theological principles in today’s multifaith society. Aiming to enhance ethical understanding and awareness across divergent worldviews, identifying at what points divergence does occur, the author examines topics such as reason and ethics in theology, natural law, utilitarianism and deontology and differences of approach to interpreting religious scriptures. The focus on ethical methods is illustrated through topical concerns in religion and ethics, for example sexuality, marriage and education and religion in relation to global ethics and human rights. Review “Starting from a multifaith context, this book will interest a wide audience. It lays out the methodological issues at stake rather than focusing on practical questions and is well signposted, clear and accessible.” (Brian Brock, Reader in Moral and Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen, UK) From the Back Cover This book considers the theory and application of ethics for a multifaith society. Much ethics taught in the UK has been dominated by Christian ethics, their relation to secularism and by the Enlightenment’s reaction against theology as a basis for ethical thought. In contrast to these perspectives this book brings secular and theological ethics into dialogue, considering the degree to which secular ethics has common roots with theological perspectives from various traditions. The book assesses the application of ethical and theological principles in today’s multifaith society. Aiming to enhance ethical understanding and awareness across divergent worldviews, identifying at what points divergence does occur, the author examines topics such as reason and ethics in theology, natural law, utilitarianism and deontology and differences of approach to interpreting religious scriptures. The focus on ethical methods is illustrated through topical concerns in religion and ethics, for example sexuality, marriage and education and religion in relation to global ethics and human rights. About the Author Rev Dr Catherine Shelley is a Solicitor at the Archbishop’s Faculty Office and Lee Bolton Monier-Williams, UK. She lectured in ethics at Birmingham University where she was also Anglican Chaplain until 2016. She is also a Church of England priest with connections to St Bride’s Fleet Street (the journalists’ Church) and St Mary Newington, Southwark where she works with Canon Giles Fraser. Catherine edits the Ecclesiastical Law Society newsletter. Her interests include theological ethics, faith communities and the role of faith in public life, which is also informed by earlier work as a local authority lawyer and local councillor.