Justice and Christian Ethics

Justice and Christian Ethics is a study in the meaning and foundations of justice. Separate chapters are devoted to major philosophical and religious traditions that have shaped the idea and practice of justice in the West. These include the classical tradition of virtue (Aristotle and Aquinas), biblical ideas of covenant and the righteousness of God, Puritanism, and John Locke. The author develops a covenantal theory of justice that provides important religious resources for the renewal and transformation of justice in society

Justice and Christian Ethics is a study in the meaning and foundations of justice in modern society. Written from a theological perspective, its focus is upon the interaction of religion and law in their common pursuit of justice. Consideration is given, first, to the historical roots of justice in the classical tradition of virtue (Aristotle and Aquinas) and in the biblical ideas of covenant and the righteousness of God. Subsequent chapters trace the relationships between justice, law and virtue in Puritanism, in Locke, and in the founding documents of the American Republic in the late eighteenth century. In his concluding section, the author develops a covenantal interpretation of justice which includes both law and virtue, both human rights and the common good. Special attention is given to the pluralistic character of modern political societies; to criteria of distributive justice; and to religious resources for the renewal and transformation of justice.

1. Introduction; 2. The classical tradition of virtue; 3. The righteousness of God and human justice; 4. Justice in the Puritan covenantal tradition; 5. John Locke: justice and the social compact; 6. The American Republic - a case study: civic virtue and the public good; 7. Covenant, justice and law; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.

Justice and Christian Ethics is a study in the meaning and foundations of justice in modern society. Written from a theological perspective, its focus is upon the interaction of religion and law in their common pursuit of justice.