Peter Singer’s Good Example

I have strong disagreements with Princeton ethicist Peter Singer, but after listening to him debating John Hare (professor of philosophical theology at Yale University), I must say I appreciate this: he has actually studied what he opposes. He knows the Bible, and is at least familiar with Aquinas, Augustine, and current theistic ethical thinking. I don’t think he understands the Bible accurately, in the way he handles some of God’s commands in the Old Testament, for example. But he has at least shown the respect of knowing what he is criticizing.

I could wish the same for many of those who write against Christianity here and around the Internet, without knowing what they’re talking about. I could extend the same wish even to many Christians criticizing non-Christian beliefs.

I certainly object to his basic ethical theory, yet in this regard, Peter Singer looks to me like a good role model for any of us.

(He’s also an excellent example of giving for the poor.)

Related: Reading Opposing Views