Doing Right

David Gill's books can be a bit academic. At times you really have to want it to get through the books. But if you can do it, there is great wealth to be found. I have experienced Gill as a professor and in his classes his passion emerges. He also teaches secular companies ethics, so don't pidgeon-hole him as some theologian with no relevance. He teaches secular companies ethical models that have people coming to him afterwards asking where he gets his insights from...and are surprised to find they are based on the 10 Commandments and/or The Beatitudes. Gill is a well-rounded man with irons of philosophy (esp. Jacques Ellul), theology, ethics, and secular reasoning in the fire. He is worth a read if you have the time. I endorse him heartily.

What David Gill did for the Beatitudes in Doing Good, he now does for the 10 Commandments in Doing Right -- turns the spotlight of understanding on them to illuminate their meaning and usefulness in the ethics of real life. I found this book to be an insightful and interesting look at how the 10 Commandments can help me to know how to treat people, to do right, in today's world. Highly Recommended!

I have been through this book several times now. Once I raced through it because I had to (course requirement). Once because I wanted to understand the material and the author's POV. Then, finally (and slowly), as I taught the material. Ethics as a part of successful living is what David Gill does and this is his manual. His voice is dynamic, inspiring and equally challenging. There is no easy way to work through the Ten Commandments. One has to listen and be ready to take in all that they are. The upside of "Doing Right" is that Gill vigorously points out all that they aren't. As a people, we have pushed Exodus 20 into the realm of myth, fantasy and courtroom placards. Gill refreshes our cultural browser with his intriguing perspective and practiced contemplation of what "doing right" looks like in the 21st century. What is more...Gill's knowledge and influence is not confined to America's latest and greatest theological brain trust. He will introduce you to European ethicists, Rabbinic teachings and a whole spectrum of voices who have thought, written, spoken and actively pursued the practice of ethical principles. If you are looking to enrich your understanding of the Living Ethic informed through the Ten Commandments, this is your book. If you want to undertake an intentional personal journey into the land of right living, think of this as your map. It's accessible, quotable, teachable and will do nothing short of jump starting much needed transformation, if you are wiling to do the work.

Business ethical is essential but is not fully addressed in most businesses. Many people get lost and choose the easy way, i.e. just following the crowd. Others have been struggling for doing the right things. This book provides practical principles for business leaders. These principles align with a lot of `common sense'. Most importantly, this book uniquely provides a solid foundation by exploration of God's model of relationships outlined in the Ten Commandments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a highly ethical business leader.

We have recently completed an Adult Sunday School class on this book and each week we discussed a different chapter. I can hardly put into words what a wonderful book it is. Each chapter is bursting with information that is so relevant to today's society. I limited myself to reading one chapter a week so I was in synch with what our leader was teaching. The chapter on stealing made me aware of so many issues that I had not considered before. My family all live in England and I sent my mum a copy of this book for Christmas. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to discover how the 10 Commandments are relevant to today's society.