Blackwell Reference Online

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The publication of this Companion represents a defining moment for religious ethics. Ethicists, historians of religion, theologians, philosophers, political theorists, and other experts have explored the moral outlooks and practices of the world's religions. Drawing on and revising religious resources, basic themes in moral theory as well as a host of contemporary moral and political problems are treated. Given the comprehensive nature of this volume, the purpose of the present chapter is not to provide a detailed “introduction” to the book. Such an introduction is not possible given the sheer size of this volume and insofar as this is a collective work rather than a single line of argument. A few words about the book's structure can be found in the preface. This chapter is meant to provide orientation to the range of questions and kinds of thinking found in the various parts of The Blackwell Companion to Religious Ethics . Anyone who works in religious ethics confronts an immediate and obvious problem. “Ethics” or “moral philosophy” is not indigenous to the world's religions. Inspired by Socrates and other sages, Greek and Roman thinkers engaged in the rational analysis and justification of norms, practices, forms of character, and ways of life believed to secure human happiness or well-being ( eudaimonia ). The inspiration of Socrates, and the memory of his conviction and execution ... log in or subscribe to read full text