Ethics With or Without God

Ethics: with or without God is written from the author's unique perspective: theological training as a Christian minister, social justice engagement across several decades, combined with an academic career teaching and researching applied ethics in secular universities. From this cross disciplinary perspective, Noel Preston outlines a common ethical vision and spirituality for humanity; and whether religious belief can be part of that quest. Traversing a range of issues, from homophobia to globalisation, he explores a 'secular sacred' approach as a way forward.

Preston owns 'the Jesus story' as central to his life. Nonetheless, while valuing the Judaeo-Christian heritage, he rejects traditional theism and challenges claims about the uniqueness of Christian ethics. More broadly, this book is for all those who quest for the common good, and who accept the need to recover and discover a spirituality that supports us in meeting contemporary, personal and social ethical challenges, regardless of religious allegiance. The result is an inspiring, distinctive and readable text.


This captivating book weaves through ethical theory, contemporary theologies, social justice, ecology and more. Shining through this masterly discussion is Preston's honesty, humility, openness and compassion in offering an eco-centric global ethic, with or without God, with a commitment to eco-justice supported by eco-spirituality .... a wonderful journey towards ""reverence for life""!
Val Webb, theologian and author.

With customary clarity and rigour, Noel Preston argues passionately for a broadly-based commitment to ethics and justice that is nourished by spiritual sensibilities but not held hostage to religious dogma or differences. A life of faith-based activism and teaching of ethics informs this stimulating contribution to a vital, urgent debate of our time.
David Busch, journalist, Uniting Church pastor, formerly Executive Producer (Religion), ABC radio.


Noel Preston AM is an ethicist and retired Uniting Church minister. Formerly Associate Professor of Applied Ethics at QUT and Griffith University, Brisbane, he is the author of Understanding Ethics (Federation Press) and many other publications specialising in eco-theology, environmental ethics and political ethics.