Can We Be Good Without God?: A Conversation About Truth, Morality, Culture & A Few Other Things That Matter

Physician-assisted suicide. Racism. Genetic engineering. Abortion. Poverty. Capital punishment.Our culture is beset by a host of vexing ethical questions. Are there any foundational moral principles to guide us? If so, where do they come from?Christians say that we can--and should--be guided by principles derived from a right understanding of God. But skeptics and those with differing religious convictions argue that ethics and morality need not have anything to do with the God of the Old and New Testaments. Are they correct? Can right and wrong exist without God? Can we, in fact, be good or bad without God?In Paul Chamberlain's intriguing, inventive book, these questions are explored by a cast of five: Ted (a Christian) joins Graham (an atheist), Francine (a moral relativist), William (an evolutionist) and Ian (a secular humanist). Together they have been summoned to the home of a mystery host. And together, to the benefit of their host and the reader, they undertake a fascinating examination of truth, conduct, culture--and a few other things that matter.

Paul Chamberlain (Ph.D., Marquette University) is assistnt professor of philosophy and religious studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia.