The Possibility and Role of Supererogation in Evangelical Ethics - Paperback

by B. J. Condrey (Author)

"Supererogation" is an awkward term but a useful concept. While not a term that we use every day, the concept is very familiar to most of us. It is an act that is neither obligatory nor forbidden and that possesses moral worth. While Roman Catholics and a large number of moral philosophers affirm the possibility and value of such acts, Evangelicals from the time of the Reformation have rejected them. Yet, this is to their detriment. Relying on Gregory Mellema's insight that acts of supererogation are possible without compromising the orthodox Evangelical doctrine of justification, I argue that there is clear evidence for supererogation in the New Testament and that performing such deeds with a proper motive is essential in an Evangelical account of supererogation. It is my hope that Evangelicals will reconsider the possibility of supererogation and embrace the concept as a useful tool in counseling contexts, biblical interpretation, and homiletics.

Author Biography

B. J. Condrey has a BA in both psychology and philosophy, an MA in philosophy, and a PhD in ethics and practical theology from the University of Edinburgh. He is the faculty chair of the Bible Department at Enlightium Academy and teaches philosophy, ethics, and logic at various colleges. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, biking, fly fishing, board games, disc golf, and spending time with family and friends.