Reading Responsibly: A Guide to Biblical Interpretation focuses on two key areas: methods and ethics of interpretation. The book introduces, explains, and guides students in the understanding and application of particular methods commonly used by biblical scholars in the study of the Bible. The methods discussed focus on historical, literary, and reader-oriented aspects of biblical interpretation. The attention to ethics occurs mainly in the last chapter. Because the Bible is an extremely influential book, it often motivates people to act in beneficial or harmful ways. The focus on love for others motivates charitable giving or actions designed to help others. Emphasis on God's wrath may lead to exclusivism and even violence. Readings leading to disrespect and mental or physical abuse, stem from an irresponsible use of the Bible. Responsible readings give full consideration to the text in its proper context and never call for action that is inconsistent with love and justice.

The Moral Life: Obligation and Affirmation examines moral thought and behavior over the centuries. In this book, Moyers carefully considers the notion of morals from different perspectives, both past and present. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche states that everything, including morals, is a matter of interpretation. If this conclusion is justified, then even Nietzsche's statement is an interpretation. Morals, in an absolute sense, do not fall from the sky nor do they rise to the level of unconditional rules based purely on objective reasoning. This book explores moral thought in light of Nietzsche's declaration that ethical thinking is open to different interpretations. If everything is a matter of interpretation and morality is not written in stone, then how should we live? Is there a universal set of moral principles that can guide human thought and action? The Moral Life explores the answers to these monumental questions and ultimately proposes that morality is not reducible to universal rules one has to follow. Instead, morality may be better understood in a twofold fashion. First, morality is often a matter of obligation that imposes itself upon us. As contemporary philosopher John D. Caputo says, "Obligation happens." It falls upon us. We can only try to respond and be responsible. However, one can resist the call of obligation. Still, the moral life consists in part as obligations to other people, to ourselves, to animals, and to the world in which we live. Second, morality is a matter of affirming life. One has the opportunity to improve oneself and as a result help others. We can try to transform ourselves according to who we wish to become. Alternatively, we may reach out to others not from a sense of obligation but from our sincere desire to help others. In short, the moral life is a responsible life where a moral person strives to lend assistance to those in need.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, this book explores premodern, modern, and postmodern moral perspectives to identify the problems and challenges facing moral thinking in the 1990's and beyond. This book introduces and clarifies these various moral viewpoints through a multi-faceted discussion which examines morals from philosophical, social, and psychological perspectives. The primary focus of Wanderings centers on what educated and common people have thought and said about what is good and bad in premodern, modern, and postmodern spheres of thought. In this spirit, the moral views of ancient Egypt, ancient Israel, certain Greek philosophers as well as several modern philosophical and postmodern ethical attitudes are discussed. From the modern tradition, the book describes key thinkers in connection with egoism, utilitarianism, relativism, and absolutism. Issues of difference, diversity, power, empowerment, otherness, and domination are just some of the issues examined in relation to postmodern moral attitudes. Along with moral viewpoints, the book also examines how our value systems have developed and continue to develop.