I wanted to like this book. I recognize how the lack of trinitarian perspective is problematic in many areas of church praxis. Pastoral Ethics promises a “hope-filled theological framework for the moral formation and ethical discernment of pastors” (8) that is firmly rooted in the trinitarian life.

The book is structured well, laying a theological foundation in the first four chapters before moving to the Ten Commandments and their implication for Christian ethics. For W. Ross Hastings, ethics finds its clearest expression when it’s situated firmly in trinitarian theology. Amen!

It’s Hastings use of the Decalogue that becomes problematic for me. He argues that the Ten Commandments “must be interpreted canonically and distinguished from ceremonial law and laws associated with the reign of God over Israel centered in the tabernacle and the temple” (78). How can we do this when, historically speaking, the Decalogue functioned as asummary statement of the entire law? Our understanding of suzerainty treaties makes this approach (although favoured by Reformed theologians) inadequate.

As the chapters unfold, Hastings reflects on various topics sorted into the categories of the Decalogue. At times the topics felt shoehorned in, with the Decalogue becoming a type of cultural icon used to lend legitimacy to the structure.

I recognize that something bigger is happening in this review. My practical theological mind is rejecting Reformed categories of thought. I’m simply convinced that the fragmentary nature of practical theology is much better suited to explore the complexities of modern ethics within the entire canon of scripture.

Hastings, W. Ross. Pastoral Ethics: Moral Formation as Life in the Trinity. Lexham Academic, 2022.