An introduction to ethical theory from a Christian perspective, The Shape of the Good examines the connection between moral theory, theology, and metaphysics. It approaches standard ethical theories from the standpoint of Christian theology.

ISBN: 978-0-268-01752-1
244 pages

C. Stephen Layman is chair of the philosophy department at Seattle Pacific University. He is the author of The Power of Logic (2002) and Letters to Doubting Thomas: A Case for the Existence of God (2007).

“Layman’s book provides an excellent introduction to subjectivism, relativism, and the basic ethical theories, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Those parts of the book provide an invaluable reference. . . .The book should be a useful one in undergraduate courses.” — Calvin Theological Journal

“Writing as a mainline Christian philosopher, neither radical nor conservative, Layman offers a useful introduction to ethical theory. He defends a Christian teleological position: ‘An act is right if and only if it promotes the Kingdom of God.’ His incisive critiques of other ethical theories—relativistic, subjective, egoistic, utilitarian, deontological—are philosophical, not theological. . . . [I]t is clear and persuasive and should be readily understandable by upper-level undergraduates.” — Choice

“Readers looking for a clear and systematic account of various ethical theories and an interesting twist in relating God positively and negatively to those theories will not be disappointed with The Shape of the Good.” — Theology Today

“. . . A very effective text for introducing undergraduate students to the analytic tradition in ethical theory.” — Religious Studies Review

“The exposition is clear, the ideas interesting and challenging, and the theory obviously will be applicable to many of our bioethical disputes.” — Journal of Clinical Ethics

“The Shape of the Good, truly an informative book, is clear, precise, and logical. . . . It can serve . . . as an excellent guide for the more advanced student who sees the need for approaching ethical theory from the standpoint of Christian theology. It is also illustrative of the fruitfulness of combining philosophical reflections with those of theology.” — America