Abstract

In the light of the possibilities and the limitations of theological realism as exemplified by the contribution of Ronald Preston, and given an increasingly global context and pluralist agenda, an argument is developed that proceeds to clarify and promote the contribution of Christian ethics to public debate and policy. It is proposed that Christian ethics has a particular contribution to make to contemporary debate, in clarifying the procedure and content of moral decision-making. The argument shows how different conceptions of the relationship between ethics and a religious, in this case specifically Christian, system of belief influence both the assessment of human moral possibilities and the scope for engagement beyond the confines of one's own social context and tradition. More importantly, it is then argued that such engagement is to be conducted in dialogue and solidarity with those who are excluded from participation in the interpretation of justice and the distribution of power