Biblical Natural Law

A Theocentric and Teleological Approach

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Biblical Natural Law by Matthew Levering, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew Levering ISBN: 9780191609008
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: March 20, 2008
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Matthew Levering
ISBN: 9780191609008
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: March 20, 2008
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Natural law theory is controversial today because it presumes that there is a stable 'human nature' that is subject to a 'law.' How do we know that 'human nature' is stable and not ever-evolving? How can we expect 'law' not to constrict human freedom and potential? Furthermore if there is a 'law,' there must be a lawgiver. Matthew Levering argues that natural law theory makes sense only within a broader worldview, and that the Bible sketches both such a persuasive worldview and an account of natural law that offers an exciting portrait of the moral life. To establish the relevance of biblical readings to the wider philosophical debate on natural law, this study offers an overview of modern natural law theories from Cicero to Nietzsche, which reverse the biblical portrait by placing human beings at the center of the moral universe. Whereas the biblical portrait of natural law is other-directed, ordered to self-giving love, the modern accounts turn inward upon the self. Drawing on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, Levering employs theological and philosophical investigation to achieve a contemporary doctrine of natural law that accords with the biblical witness to a loving Creator who draws human beings to share in the divine life. This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Natural law theory is controversial today because it presumes that there is a stable 'human nature' that is subject to a 'law.' How do we know that 'human nature' is stable and not ever-evolving? How can we expect 'law' not to constrict human freedom and potential? Furthermore if there is a 'law,' there must be a lawgiver. Matthew Levering argues that natural law theory makes sense only within a broader worldview, and that the Bible sketches both such a persuasive worldview and an account of natural law that offers an exciting portrait of the moral life. To establish the relevance of biblical readings to the wider philosophical debate on natural law, this study offers an overview of modern natural law theories from Cicero to Nietzsche, which reverse the biblical portrait by placing human beings at the center of the moral universe. Whereas the biblical portrait of natural law is other-directed, ordered to self-giving love, the modern accounts turn inward upon the self. Drawing on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, Levering employs theological and philosophical investigation to achieve a contemporary doctrine of natural law that accords with the biblical witness to a loving Creator who draws human beings to share in the divine life. This book provides both an introduction to natural law theory and a compelling challenge to re-think current biblical scholarship on the topic.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book A Tale of Two Cities by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Moral Psychology with Nietzsche by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book The Pursuit of the Nazi Mind by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book A Secular Europe by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Selected Poems by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Discursive Perspectives in Therapeutic Practice by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Interpretive Social Science by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Agamemnon in Performance 458 BC to AD 2004 by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Accountability in the Contemporary Constitution by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Civil War by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book The Economics and Politics of Climate Change by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book 4-Manifolds by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Reasons to Doubt by Matthew Levering
Cover of the book Behavioral Methods in Consciousness Research by Matthew Levering
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy