J. Philip Wogaman – författare

In this “letter” to the next generation, Wogaman, a pastor, ethicist, and grandfather draws on a wealth of experience to share what truly matters.

Today’s young people yearn for authenticity and truth. However, the important aspects of truth, character, politics, community, family, education, religion, and vocation can get muddled by our cultural experiences. This book offers the opportunity to learn something from an older generation’s experience of what matters—and about what doesn’t matter much.

What Matters addresses our broader cultural issues in the twenty-first century world. Explore why many young people have become disillusioned, even cynical, about major aspects of contemporary life. Wrestle with why is it hard to accept religious assumptions that were simply taken for granted in an earlier era. Contemplate the difficulty of seeing beyond the self-serving of many politicians. Come to appreciate why religious, political, economic, and educational institutions still matter.

By tackling our tough questions about today’s world, we can come to better understand what’s truly worth believing in, and how our decisions and actions build a life that matters.

How can we make decisions that are consistent with our basic values? We must first, J. Philip Wogaman says, identify basic moral presumptions that can guide our thought as we face moral dilemmas. These basic moral presumptions include equality, grace, the value of human life, the unity of humankind, preferential claims for the poor and marginalized, and the goodness of creation. The burden of proof, he argues, must be borne by decisions that are contrary to such presumptions. He pulls into the conversation difficult ethical issues such as divorce, sexuality, abortion, political choices, economic justice, affirmative action, homosexuality, nuclear disarmament, economic globalization, global warming, international security, environmental policies, and military power. In the process, he provides a smart and helpful guide to Christian ethical behavior.