Author Lewis B.Smedes.
Published by William.B.Eerdmans.
ISBN 0-8028-3571-6
First published in 1983 when it received ‘the evangelical book of the year’ commendation from Eternity Magazine in the USA; it was reprinted in 1999 and copies are still available via the internet both new and second hand. The author was prominent in Fuller Theological Seminary in his latter years and his eloquent literary style of writing is intelligible to the non specialist making this an enjoyable book to read for readings sake. It is a stimulating book dealing with the central issues of Christian ethics. There is great value here as he discusses five core commandments under the headings of Respect for Authority, Human life, Covenant, Property and Truthfulness. Case studies are included from which he draws in order to buttress that which could be described as a study of ‘that which is basic for humane living’. There is compelling argumentation, and he does not evade dealing with knotty problems in the application of those arguments. Obviously he deals with marriage and divorce, with truthfulness, with euthanasia and abortion, he covers much ground. We may not all agree with his findings on some points, but we cannot fail to be helped to see the sweet reasonableness, and great grace of God, as He gave forth those commandments for the regulation of human life in all its relationships. The use of the word ‘mere’ in the title of the book is intended to indicate that these are those essential things which God has revealed that all human beings in obeying them shall be authentic men and women. A final chapter of the book deals with the obedience which is possible through the energy of God’s grace given to us in His Son and by the Spirit. Here is a book which is refreshing and helpful. It sets biblical,conventional moral wisdom in plain sight in the midst of our relativistic world and the former shines gloriously!
