Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics

This introductory ethics textbook presents a systematic approach to moral reasoning from an explicitly Christian perspective, positioning ethical decision-making within a theistic framework that grounds moral obligations in divine command and natural law traditions. Rae develops a comprehensive methodology for ethical analysis that integrates biblical interpretation, philosophical reasoning, and practical application, particularly addressing contemporary moral dilemmas in bioethics, business ethics, and social justice.

The work establishes its foundation by arguing that coherent ethical systems require transcendent grounding, critiquing purely naturalistic approaches to morality as unable to provide objective moral obligations or explain the apparent universality of certain moral intuitions. Rae engages secular ethical theories including utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics, acknowledging their contributions while arguing for their ultimate inadequacy when divorced from theistic assumptions. His analysis suggests that attempts to derive ought from is without reference to divine purpose or design face insurmountable philosophical difficulties.

Central to Rae's approach is the integration of general and special revelation in moral epistemology. He contends that while natural law provides universal moral knowledge accessible through reason and conscience, scripture offers necessary clarification and specificity for moral guidance. This dual-source theory allows him to engage non-Christian ethical traditions while maintaining the superiority of Christian ethics. The text addresses the Euthyphro dilemma by proposing a modified divine command theory that roots moral obligations in God's unchanging character rather than arbitrary divine will.

The work's significance to the God debate lies in its demonstration of how theistic commitments shape practical ethical reasoning. Rather than treating God's existence as a separate philosophical question, Rae shows how theistic assumptions permeate moral thinking about human dignity, moral responsibility, and ethical motivation. His treatment of conscience, moral intuition, and natural law provides arguments for theistic ethics that engage contemporary philosophical discussions while remaining accessible to undergraduate students.

The pedagogical structure reinforces the text's apologetic dimension, with case studies designed to illustrate the practical superiority of theistic ethics over secular alternatives. By addressing issues like abortion, euthanasia, and economic justice, Rae attempts to show that Christian ethical reasoning provides more satisfactory solutions to moral dilemmas than frameworks that exclude divine considerations. This integration of theoretical argumentation with practical application makes the work a significant contribution to both ethics education and natural theology.