This survey text for Christian ethics courses traces the sources and traditions which define the history and development of contemporary ethical principles and laws. Distinctive in her approach, Dee Christie takes seriously the importance of narrative in reaching out to students who seek to understand themselves as they face challenges and dilemmas in living an authentic moral life. Stories are employed to reflect one's own life and its meaning, as well as prompting moral reflection and inspiring moral vision in the emotional , and rational, process of making good decisions. The book gives full treatment to criteria needed for ethical decisionmaking which students use in evaluating a series of contemporary issues—including abortion, end-of-life, torture, and many others—which raise ethical questions. The book includes numerous pedagogic features , including photos, boxes, summaries, questions, key terms, suggested readings, glossary and website.