The Hauerwas Reader

by Stanley Hauerwas

Book Overview

Stanley Hauerwas is one of the most widely read and oft-cited theologians writing today. A prolific lecturer and author, he has been at the forefront of key developments in contemporary theology, ranging from narrative theology to the "recovery of virtue." Yet despite his prominence and the esteem reserved for his thought, his work has never before been collected in a single volume that provides a sense of the totality of his vision.
The editors...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822326914
• ISBN13: 9780822326915
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Duke University Press
• Length: 752 Pages
• Weight: 2.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An engaging assessment of social issues

I have not read any of Hauerwas' works in their entirety. But this is an intriguing set of essays. Stanley Hauerwas approaches many issues from a totally different perspective than the world around him. Unlike many western Christians Hauerwas does not look at social issues in term of rights; for example abortion. Hauerwas does not qualify his remarks on abortion in terms of right to life, right to one's body, etc. instead Hauerwas' view of life is that it is a gift of God that we should not address as a right because rights are ostensibly legal entitlements. This does seem to be a Biblical perspective on the issue, at least it is in my opinion. That not withstanding Hauerwas makes little use of scripture in these essays. Something I find rather disturbing. As a Christian I want to see ethics spelled out in scripture because that's the bread and butter of my faith. This is the only major shortcoming I can readily identify in the way he addresses things. Overall I would recommend this work to any Christian would wishes to reflect on social issues in a way that does not require them to play ball with the world at large.

A Wonderful Collection

If you want to understand Hauerwas' thought on the issues of the day, as well as his method for doing ethics, begin here. The selection of essays for this text allows you to see many facets of Hauerwas' writing. The opening essays attempt to show how Hauerwas goes about doing ethics. They explore the way narratives impact the living of life and what Christian discipleship looks like. The later essays explore particular social issues, such as war, capitalism, sex, and medicine. The introductions and conclusion by other authors help to understand some of Hauerwas' thought. The essays in this book range from complex to simple and straightforward. There is something here for everyone, though some of the essays might be a struggle for those who are unaquainted with Theology and Ethics. Be prepared to disagree with some of the things Hauerwas says. However, if you want a thought-provoking book that deals with the issues of the day, this is it.

Clear and thought provoking.

This is the collection of essays through which I was introduced to Stanley Hauerwas. I wish I had begun reading him sooner. Hauerwas' arguments are clear and to the point, and some of his comments are jarring; but then, we need to be shaken from our complacency. I like that fact that Hauerwas can combine what is sometimes an abrasive manner with humility. He truly seems concerned not only with whether we think through these problems, but also with whether we properly understand what the problems are that confront us as Christians. I recommend this book to anyone who is concerned with ethics and especially the manner in which Christians should respond to the issues of the day.

A valuable reference

Stanley Hauerwas is probably the most influential contemorary Christian ethicist. While prolific, Hauerwas can be frustratingly difficult to read, especially if one's goal is to get a sense for his overall "system." (He avoids this last word like the plague.) This anthology provides an excellent way to learn Hauerwas's approach to contemporary Christian ethics and his views on a range of topics.

Theological briar patches

Hauerwas has a reputation as a sort of theological curmudgeon, but in reality he is as clear a thinker as we could hope for in an ethically confused time. And he reveals himself as deeply human at the same time. This survey of his work helps me think my way through many theological briar patches - whether I agree with Hauerwas or not.Readers who like the way Hauerwas combines breadth, depth, and compassion with a stringent ethical vision will also want to read Heroism & the Christian Life by Brian Hook and Russ Reno.