Things That Count is an impressive collections of moral and theological essays by Gilbert Meilaender (Board of Directors Professor of Christian Ethics at Valparaiso University and associate editor of the Journal of Religious Ethics) which is divided into four sections: Men and Women; Parents and Children; Place and Possessions; and Books. Professor Meilaender draws upon the great works of philosophy, literature and political theory to articulate his own contributions to our understanding of the human condition. Things That Count is highly recommended reading for students of philosophy and ethics within the context of the Christian tradition.

This book is an overview, from a Christian perspective, of some of the current issues in clinical ethics or bioethics. While Dr Meilanader's viewpoint may differ significantly from that of many evangelical Christians or Catholics, his application of Christian principles to bioethical questions is very well done. I would strongly recommend this book to those interested in beginning to learn about issues in bioethics with a particular emphasis on the Christian perspective. For those interested in a deeper look at the issues, this book would serve only as an introduction.

No pretenses about this book, upfront and straightforward that this is a primer on bioethics from a conservative Christian perspective.

He does a great job meeting his promises, providing intros to the topics of assisted reproduction, abortion, gene therapy, genetic research, prenatal screeening, suicide and euthanasia, organ donation, and research sensitive issues to humans.

He is unapologetic for not providing a survey of Christian opinions nor for trying to be faithful to his understanding (Lutheran) of Biblical truths.

He is sensitive in providing not a minimalistic, common denominator, public policy view, but one that is sensitive to the pro-life, Creator God who sustains all and will judge us at the end.

Possibly the only improvement I can see is the lack of a recommended reading list for those interested in pursuing topics further without reading journals, etc.

This book shall bless the church both in indiviudal Christians reading it and also for Bible study groups.

This classic study in theological ethics is written to argue that philia deserves an honored place within Christian ethics. Meilaender notes that at one time philia, rather than agape or charity, was the common way to understand love. However, agape displaced philia in Christian thought, and the author attempts to think theologically about this displacement in this book. Friendship examines the tension between philia and agape and probes the significance of this tension for Christian thought experience.

Each chapter explores a way in which philia, as a preferential bond, is important for understanding theological ethics. While agape is to be shown even to the enemy, philia is a mutual bond marked by inner reciprocities. While agape is said to be characterized by the fidelity and changelessness of God in covenant, philia is recognized to be the subject of change. While agape has been used to designate the search for a suprahistorical resting place in God, philia is the noblest thing aspired to in civics. While agape understands one's vocation as the supremely important form of service to neighbor, philia emphasizes the bond of relationship toward those with personal significance.

In all of these contrasts, the author notes that the central element in their tension is the preferential character of friendship. "Whatever its dangers, friendship is surely a bond of great significance for human life. No adequate theological ethic can fail to make place for it. When Christ came into this world, he came to his own, John's Gospel tells us. And the divine love which Christ displays -- God' agape -- cannot therefore be entirely alien to the needs and possibilities of our human nature" (105).

This book is a refreshing review of why we work and how we should enjoy the work we do everyday. Rooted in many of the philosphers from the past to the current, this book points you to seach your soul on whether you are working to satisfy and income requirement or becuase you are working for enjoying while getting paid at the same time. Truly this book intends to encourage you to enjoy your work and if you do not enjoy your work FIND one you do enjoy.