The Sacredness of Human Life : Why an Ancient Biblical Vision Is Key to the World's Future

This authoritative book is the most comprehensive examination ever of the sacredness of human life. Never before has one volume explored this subject in such a multifaceted way, encompassing biblical roots, theological elaborations, historical cases, and contemporary ethical perspectives. Tracing the concept of the sacredness of human life from Scripture through church history to the present day, David Gushee argues that viewing human life as sacred is one of the most precious legacies of biblical faith — albeit one that the church has too often failed to uphold. Besides providing a masterful historical survey, Gushee's discussion covers the many current ethical challenges and perspectives that will impact the survival and flourishing of human life, including biotechnology, the death penalty, abortion, human rights, nuclear weapons, just war theory, women's rights, and creation care. Gushee's Sacredness of Human Life is a game-changing book that will set the standard for all future discussions of this key ethical concept. A Comprehensive Examination Of The Sacredness Of Human Life, Encompassing Biblical Roots, Theological Elaborations, Historical Cases, And Contemporary Ethical Perspectives. Gushee Argues That Viewing Human Life As Sacred Is One Of The Most Precious Legacies Of Biblical-- Albeit One That The Church Has Too Often Failed To Uphold. Introduction -- What It Means To Say That Human Life Is Sacred -- The Old Testament And The Sacredness Of Human Life -- Jesus Christ, The New Testament, And The Sacredness Of Human Life -- The Sacredness Of Life In Early Christianity -- The Fateful Transition To Christendom -- Christendom Divided Against Itself: Three Case Studies -- Enlightenment Transitions: Natural Rights, Rule Of Law, And Human Dignity -- Nietzsche Rejects The Christian God And Christian Morality -- Desecrations: Twentieth-century Nazi Assaults On Human Life -- Honoring Human Life: Twenty-first-century Challenges -- The Sacredness Of God's Creation -- Final Words: For The Church And Its Neighbors. David P. Gushee. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 424-440) And Indexes. In The Sacredness of Human Life, Christian ethicist David P. Gushee invites us to truly embrace the immeasurable value of a single human life an ancient biblical concept which, in our violent world, may be the key to the future of all creation. Tracing the concept of the sacredness of human life from Scripture through church history to the present day, Gushee argues that viewing human life as sacred is one of the most precious legacies of biblical faith albeit one that the church has too often failed to uphold. His discussion includes many of the current ethical challenges that will impact the survival and flourishing of human life, including biotechnology, the death penalty, abortion, human rights, nuclear weapons, just war theory, women's rights, and creation care. Gushee's Sacredness of Human Life is a game-changing book that will set the standard for all future discussions of this key ethical concept.