Questions of belief, and agency over personal belief, abound as individuals claim to have the right to believe whatever they so choose. In a carefully constructed argument, Bruce Reichenbach contends that while individuals have direct control over belief, they are obligated to believe -- and purposely seek -- the truth. Though the nature of truth and belief is an oft-debated topic, Reichenbach moves beyond surface-level persuasions to address the very core of what constitutes a human right. These epistemic obligations are critical, as the influence of belief is evident throughout society, from law and education to religion and daily decision-making. Grounding his argument in practical case studies, Reichenbach deftly demonstrates the necessity of moral accountability and belief.

"A comprehensive and useful discussion of Christian ethics applied to a variety of difficult and timely issues is no simple task, but Reichenbach and Anderson have risen to it. They have provided a book that is a great starting place for further consideration of topics such as the environment, assisted reproduction, abortion, surrogacy, the human genome, the pursuit of knowledge, the brain-mind issue, and human sexuality. Their treatment of these issues is integrated by the adoption of a biblically based paradigm from Genesis: 'filling, ' 'ruling over, ' and 'caring for.' This is a book packed with information, suggestions, and challenges." -Richard Bube, Stanford University "An important book for the Christian community. The authors have rescued creation from the polemical battlefield it has become for too many Christians and have applied God's creation ordinances to some of the pressing practical issues of our time. Their approach is wide-ranging and novel, getting us away from the tired debates about conservatives and liberals. On Behalf of God may provide the fresh look at ethics that is badly missing in entrenched Christian circles. I believe we may look back ten years from now and see this book as a watershed for Christian witness in the real world." -R.J. Berry, University College London