Common Objects of Love: Moral Reflection and the Shaping of Community Paperback - 2002

In "Common Objects of Love" Oliver ODonovan, widely respected as one of todays wisest and most articulate Christian ethicists, takes readers on a journey of thought. Yet this journey, he warns, does not circle comfortably around its subject like a pleasant afternoon stroll, but sets out for a far country. The purpose of the journey is to trace what unifies a multitude of human agents into a community of action and experience sustained over time.

The books central theme, which arises out of Augustines idea that we know only as we love, is that moral reflection, or the identification of objects of love, has effect in organized community. This perspective provides a fruitful resolution to the traditional Aristotelian dichotomy of theoretical and practical reason and directs us as to how we may think from truths of Christian faith to conclusions in Christian action. ODonovans interest in this theme lies especially with its political possibilities, as he explores how love is key to the organization and coherence of political society.

Beginning with some lighthearted puzzles about teaching ethics, ODonovan explores a series of related historical and current issues -- the iconoclastic controversy of the ninth century, the nature of ethical deliberation, the deleterious role of publicity in late-modern liberal society, and more -- and he offers some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001. It is with John of Patmos, finally, that ODonovan brings his journey of thought to an evangelical conclusion, one that rests on the narrative of the fall and redemption of society and of the vindication of created order in the coming of Gods kingdom.

Originating as the 2001 Stob Lecturesdelivered at Calvin College and Seminary, "Common Objects of Love" provides a thought-provoking look at social and political behavior as it is -- or should be -- informed by Christian love.