Product Description

Other than the question of God, the question of human nature—who we are, why we are here, whey we behave as we do—is the most fundamental and perplexing of all. We are mystified at both the kindness and the horrors of human behavior and wonder where God is in both. In Only Human, David Gushee—ethicist, pastor, and award–winning Christian writer¾ uses a classic Christian framework to addresses questions about what it means to be a human being, our makeup and nature, what is right and what is wrong with us, and our origins and destiny. Drawing from contemporary and ancient discussions of human nature, Gushee offers a substantive and accessible exploration of eight essential questions:

·        Is there such a thing as human nature, something all humans share?

·        How do we understand what we are made of?

·        Why do relationships matter so much to us?

·        Is it true that human beings are intrinsically sinful?

·        Are human beings truly free to chart their own paths and make meaningful choices?

·        How do human beings become morally good people or morally evil?

·        What does a morally great life look like?

·        What should we hope for as our ultimate goal for life’s journey?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2794778 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-15
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From the Inside Flap
ONLY HUMAN

Other than the question of God, the question of human nature—who we are, why we are here, why we behave as we do—is the most fundamental and perplexing of all. We are mystified at both the kindness and the horrors of human behavior and wonder where God is in both. In Only Human, David Gushee—ethicist, pastor, and award–winning Christian writer—uses a classic Christian framework to address questions about what it means to be a human being, our makeup and nature, what is right and what is wrong with us, and our origins and destiny. Drawing from contemporary and ancient discussions of human nature, Gushee offers a substantive and accessible exploration of eight essential questions:

• Is there such a thing as human nature, something all humans share?
• How do we understand what we are made of?
• Why do relationships matter so much to us?
• Is it true that human beings are intrinsically sinful?
• Are human beings truly free to chart their own paths and make meaningful choices?
• How do human beings become morally good people or morally evil?
• What does a morally great life look like?
• What should we hope for as our ultimate goal for life′s journey?

Only Human is the first book in the Enduring Questions in Christian Life Series. Written by thought leaders who have delved deeply into intriguing questions of meaning and faith, this series speaks intelligently and intelligibly to the deepest spiritual and moral concerns of Christian people.

From the Back Cover
A Provocative Exploration of What It Means to Be Human

"Written in an accessible and fluent style, Only Human brings a broad range of material from across the Christian tradition to bear on an intriguing range of essential questions about what it means to be human—on the perplexing, contrary, sinful, joyful, and spiritual aspects that we ponder and that vex us. In illuminating this exploration with his own and others′ stories, Gushee focuses his discussion in a sprightly way that draws the reader in and helps him or her to appreciate the enduring reasons for hope within that sturdy faith tradition that is Christianity."
—Jean Bethke Elshtain, Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Social and Political Ethics, University of Chicago and author, Just War Against Terror: The Burden of American Power in a Violent World

"This is an inviting volume that kicks off an exciting series. David Gushee writes of our life journeys in the style of C. S. Lewis. Deeply biblical, profoundly human, and delightfully written, the book guides us through perplexing issues to show how faith reveals possibilities of personal growth and sound relationships."
—Max Stackhouse, The Rimmer and Ruth DeVries Professor of Theology and Public Life, Princeton Theological Seminary

"Only Human is an apt title for this lovely book. Gushee offers humble wisdom for understanding a human yearning for God. He helps to discern recurrent questions, such as, ′Does sin have the last word?′ and ′Will God give up on us?′ But he also introduces what may be new questions, such as ′What does the Trinity mean for my relationships?′ Weaving together his own reflections as a servant, dad, and husband, drawing from scripture as well as from lively narratives of recent saints and sinners, Gushee has given the seeking reader a true gift."
—Amy Laura Hall, assistant professor, theological ethics, Duke Divinity School

About the Author
David P. Gushee is Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy and senior fellow at the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Christian Leadership at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee. Gushee is the author of nine books and winner (with Glen Stassen) of the Christianity Today 2004 award for best book in theology and ethics for their book Kingdom Ethics.