Ethics and the Old Testament

By John Barton

Book Description

In a world where ancient wisdom often feels disconnected from contemporary moral challenges, John Barton bridges this gap by exploring the enduring ethical insights found within the Old Testament. Drawing from lectures delivered in Canada and Oxford, this thoughtful examination reveals how biblical texts from millennia past continue to offer profound guidance for modern spiritual seekers.

Barton takes readers on a journey through some of the most significant ethical teachings in Hebrew scripture, revisiting the foundational Ten Commandments with fresh perspective. He delves into the complex narrative surrounding David and his family, extracting moral lessons that resonate across centuries. The exploration extends to pressing contemporary issues including environmental stewardship, questions of sexual ethics, and the proper relationship with material possessions.

Rather than treating these ancient texts as mere historical artifacts, Barton demonstrates how they address fundamental questions about divine command and human moral motivation. He argues convincingly that despite emerging from what may seem like a distant and unfamiliar cultural context, the Old Testament contains wisdom that remains remarkably relevant to our current ethical dilemmas.

This accessible yet scholarly work invites readers to discover how ancient spiritual traditions can illuminate the moral complexities of contemporary life, offering guidance for those seeking to integrate timeless wisdom into their personal ethical framework.