Ethics and Liberation: An Introduction

The introduction to the nature and purpose of Christian ethics presents an ethical theory consistent with the fundamental insights of the Christian tradition. 'Ethics and Liberation' outlines an ethic which provides guidelines for responsible stands on contemporary issues, be they personal or socio-political. Exploring both the strengths and weaknesses of traditional Christian ethics, Kammer proposes going beyond them to an ethic of theonomous responsibility, one based on the precepts of liberation theology. Stressing the socio-political dimension of ethics, Kammer follows the threads of Christian tradition that led to an emphasis on personal salvation and a neglect of social issues. Finally, he traces the path from Christian realism through liberation theology. 'Ethics and Liberation' concludes with a discussion of two serious test cases"" in contemporary moral issues: the distribution of health care, and nuclear disarmament.