Becoming Good: Building Moral Character

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful introduction to Christian Ethics!
Review: David W. Gill's "Becoming Good: Building Moral Character" is a wonderful and potentially life changing book, the first in a series on Christian Ethics. Gill describes Christian ethics in layman's terms, with full explaination of his reasoning behind each point he makes. At no point is the reader left behind in a sweeping leap of logic, and no prior knowledge is needed to comprehend his discussion. I highly recommend the book, and eagerly await the publishing of the next one!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful introduction to Christian Ethics!
Review: David W. Gill's "Becoming Good: Building Moral Character" is a wonderful and potentially life changing book, the first in a series on Christian Ethics. Gill describes Christian ethics in layman's terms, with full explaination of his reasoning behind each point he makes. At no point is the reader left behind in a sweeping leap of logic, and no prior knowledge is needed to comprehend his discussion. I highly recommend the book, and eagerly await the publishing of the next one!

Rating:
Summary: Interesting thesis, but the writing style is too academic
Review: I enjoyed the thesis of this book, and it is a timely era to be considering ethics. The book has a theme, and uses scripture and prose well. Overall though, the style is a bit academic so I would recommend Oz Guiness (Steering Through the Chaos), or a local author here at the Denver Seminary who wrote a book called "Truth Decay". Both of these other books come at the concept of ethics from different platforms and the three styles and theories of what constitutes "truth" and as a result set the standard for behavior which is defined as "ethical", are all a good study. This book is good reading for Christians though, so I do recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting thesis, but the writing style is too academic
Review: I enjoyed the thesis of this book, and it is a timely era to be considering ethics. The book has a theme, and uses scripture and prose well. Overall though, the style is a bit academic so I would recommend Oz Guiness (Steering Through the Chaos), or a local author here at the Denver Seminary who wrote a book called "Truth Decay". Both of these other books come at the concept of ethics from different platforms and the three styles and theories of what constitutes "truth" and as a result set the standard for behavior which is defined as "ethical", are all a good study. This book is good reading for Christians though, so I do recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Be careful here, it sounds good but consider the source
Review: I had the chance to meet Dr. Gill while at college in Ill. While his prose is academic, but solid, it is not the book that is in question but the source. Dr. Gill is a relativist, a liberal who supports special interest political views of the left.

While the title of building moral character is an admirable one, I for one question the moral character of the author himself. Known to pursue projects with naked self promoting ambition, these personal traits defy the content of the book.

Accept the content, question the author.

Rating:
Summary: "Excellent for parents in the instruction of children..."
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Gill's book, and its shortcomings have been previously mentioned. However, it needs to be emphasized that the author is Scriptural in his foundation-tenets, which make his recommendations all the more relevant.

Yes, the format is somewhat academic--personally, I saw this as strength, not a weakness. Not everyone (obviously) will agree. But the tone and voice of the author are pleasing, and I cannot imagine one person not being blessed by the instructions found within. The contents would also be an excellent study for parents in the instruction of children.

I can only recall one other book, "With Joseph in the University of Adversity", which spells out so clearly the things that make up character in the Christian life. While that book is more universal in its appeal and a significantly easier read, Gill by no means addresses a restricted audience. RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: Well written book on an important topic
Review: This is an excellent book on an important topic. I enjoyed both the style of the writing - which uses a conversational tone with a scholarly slant - and the topic itself. One of the most appealing features of the writing itself is the way the book is laid out with footnotes included on each page. This is an informative and helpful way to present information.

The topic itself is one that has much relevance today. I think that Dr. Gill attempted to take a somewhat objective approach by spelling out theories and data, and while presenting an opinion, was not "preachy" in doing so. I also know David personally, and can attest that the themes presented here are genuine and reflect his character.

One highlight in particular was the first couple chapters and the interesting way to look at Christian approaches to the "world". This is must reading for any Christian, regardless of denomination or background.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who has an interest in "becoming good".