The Goodness of God: Theology the Church and Social Order

Stephen Long opens his erudite discussion of theology and ethics with the insistence that moral critique must emerge from a particular location rather than from the fluid values of any neutral observer. Long sets out to put theology and ethics--as well as the church--in proper relation to one another. Ethics must be based in theology not the other way around. Our finite participation in the infinite makes possible participation in a goodness beyond us. That goodness comes to us in the flesh of Jesus Christ and the church is indispensable in drawing all people toward Gods goodness. The church a social ethic in itself gives purpose and order to other social institutions including family government and the market. The goodness of God--such a simple phrase such a profound (and maybe even disruptive) concept if we dare explore its implications. Not only does Steve Long lead us skillfully and smoothly through potentially difficult matters of theology and philosophy he also brings home how our lives might be different if we really took the goodness of God to heart. From the matters of violence and economics to sexuality and family Long takes his readers through a thicket of competing ideas and leads them out the other side into greater clarity of vision unity of purpose and passion for Gods good kingdom. Seminaries and Sunday schools alike will benefit from this scholarly but accessible volume. --Michael Budde DePaul University D. Stephen Long is Professor of Systematic Theology at Marquette University. He has published a number of works including The Goodness of God The Divine Economy John Wesleys Moral Theology and Theology and Culture (Cascade Books 2007).