Shaping Character: Moral Education in the Christian College / Edition 1

by Arthur F. Holmes

Overview

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.

The teaching of ethics and the transmission of values once performed an integrative function in the Christian college curriculum; however, they have gradually become relegated to a subspecialty status within the philosophy or religion department.

Arguing that ethics is everybody's business, Arthur Holmes presents in this book a concise survey of moral education — its goals and methods — in the Christian college. Arising out of a three-year Christian College Consortium project, Shaping Character reflects the insights of a rich variety of experts, writers, and faculty members. Holmes first orients his readers to the present ethical climate, to theological dimensions and distinctive in ethics, and to moral development theory. He then poses three overall objectives of ethics education — forming the conscience, making moral decisions, and developing character — and fleshes out each objective with particular goals.

Throughout the book Holmes makes suggestions about the role of faculty and staff, paying special attention to teaching methods and noting the context and dynamics of college life in general. The final chapter summarizes how the Bible functions in ethics. Shaping Character is meant for all Christian college teachers, professors, and administrators concerned about student values and the moral condition of our society. The book will serve as a valuable and practical guide for teaching ethics in every department.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802804976
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	12/19/1990
Pages:	108
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.26(d)

About the Author

Arthur F. Holmes (1924-2011) was professor emeritus of philosophy at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Besides The Idea of a Christian College, his many influential books on philosophy and Christian higher education include All Truth Is God's Truth, Shaping Character: Moral Education in the Christian College, and Building the Christian Academy.

Table of Contents

	Preface	vii
1.	College Is for Character	1
2.	Assessing the Contemporary Climate	10
	The Present Ethical Climate	10
	Differences in Theology	13
	Moral Development Theories	17
3.	Forming the Conscience	27
	Learning to Care	31
	The Whys behind Our Choices	34
	Deciding What Matters	37
4.	Making Moral Decisions	41
	Moral Imagination	42
	Ethical Analysis	43
	Decision Making	50
	Teaching Decision Making	53
5.	Developing Character	58
	Responsible Agents	61
	Virtues	64
	Moral Identity	69
6.	A Concluding Note: The Bible in Ethics	73
	Bibliography	79

Editorial Reviews

Richard J. Mouw
—Fuller Theological Seminary
"Arthur Holmes has written a profound book on a timely topic. It ought to be widely read. More importantly, its wise insights and prescriptions ought to be put into practice wherever people care about faithful and effective Christian higher education."

From the Publisher