A House Divided

A House Divided helps answer the question, how do Christians form moral judgments about sex-linked issues? After analyzing key differences between conservative and progressive Christians on such divisive issues as abortion, sex education, and same-sex marriage, readers will learn how a combination of four factors can lead to principled Christian morality. First, a review of diverse interpretive comments on relevant Scriptures can help identify a foundation for agreement as well as sharpen differences. Second, a review of psychological factors can help identify prejudices, personality traits, and powerful emotions that intensify and color public debate. Third, new research on moral psychology will add six dimensions of analysis to appreciating the reasons conservatives and progressives draw upon when forming moral judgments. And finally, knowledge about sexual attraction, sexual orientation, conception, and sexual health is vital to thinking ethically about the specific issues addressed in this book. ""Dr. Sutton examines morality and sexuality with a scholarly but accessible book. It will keep your students thinking and pondering their framework and philosophy for morality and sexuality as they face complex issues in current events."" --Jennifer Ripley, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Regent University ""A blend of hermeneutics, research, and moral psychology to survey social challenges facing Christians today. Sutton's book provides a thoughtful exploration of how various faith groups approach issues of sexuality based on views of morality. This volume highlights how emotion, thought, and tradition impact six dimensions of morality, illustrating what divides us. The text shows divergent views but also points to commonalities, illuminating a shared desire to live a moral life."" --Kelly Reiner, Assistant Director for Clinical Services, University Counseling Services, Virginia Commonwealth University ""For a Church that serves one Master, Christians seem to be divided over a surprisingly large number of issues. Several of these divisive issues fall within the domain of sexuality. This book is an attempt to help two sides of the Christian family tree ('conservative' and 'progressive') appreciate that the opposing side is coming from a reasoned and faithful position. Sutton does this through a careful consideration of scripture, moral foundation theory, and Christian cultures and individuality in the context of several divisive sexual issues. It is a job well done."" --Rodney Bassett, Professor of Psychology, Roberts Wesleyan College Geoffrey W. Sutton is a psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. He is the author, coauthor, editor, or coeditor of a hundred publications, including Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Restoration (2010).