Biblical Natural Law: A Theocentric and Teleological Approach

by Matthew Levering

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199535293
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/02/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Matthew Levering is Professor of Theology at the University of Dayton, Ohio

Table of Contents

Introduction1. The Bible and Natural Law2. Anthropocentric Natural Law3. Natural Law and Natural Inclinations4. Natural Law and the Order of CharityConclusion

Editorial Reviews

"Matthew Levering brings his customary high level of research and insight to an entangled and prickly topic...a clearly thought-out consideration of an important, practical subject that will serve its readers well." - Mark McDowell, Themelios

From the Publisher