Best Religious Ethics Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Religious ethics books are an essential resource for those seeking to understand the moral principles and values of different religions. These books cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the role of humans in the world, and the importance of living a virtuous life. They provide readers with insights into the ethical teachings of various religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Some religious ethics books also explore the intersection of religion and contemporary ethical issues, such as environmentalism, social justice, and human rights. Whether you are a student of religion, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone interested in exploring different ethical perspectives, religious ethics books are an invaluable resource.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Screwtape Letters (The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics) Cover #TOP 1
The Screwtape Letters (The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Letter to the American Church Cover #TOP 2
Letter to the American Church
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution Cover #TOP 3
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Religious Ethics Books

The Screwtape Letters (The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics)

Lewis, C. S.
HarperOne
Apr 21, 2015
The Screwtape Letters (The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics) Cover
The Screwtape Letters (The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics)

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a witty and ironic work of religious satire, which offers readers a unique perspective on human life and weaknesses. In this book, Screwtape, a high-ranking assistant to "Our Father Below," provides guidance and advice to his nephew Wormwood, who is in charge of tempting a human. The annotated edition is a great choice for both first-time and veteran readers, as it contains many helpful annotations. The addition of red ink for notes also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the book. Overall, The Screwtape Letters is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that is sure to captivate readers with its clever and humorous take on temptation and triumph over it.

Letter to the American Church

Metaxas, Eric
Sep 20, 2022
Letter to the American Church Cover
Letter to the American Church

This book, titled "Letter to the American Church," is a wake-up call to the American church, warning of the similarities between today's church and the German church of the 1930s. Eric Metaxas urges fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil and to fight against the powers of darkness. The book challenges the notion that fighting evil politicizes Christianity and emphasizes the Church's role in culture. The author's message is a timely call to action that the Church must heed. The book is an excellent read for anyone concerned about the state of the American church.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution

Trueman, Carl R.
Dreher, Rod
Crossway
Nov 10, 2020
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution Cover
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman is a timely book that offers a deep analysis of modern culture's obsession with identity. Trueman traces the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom of the human search for identity, rather than its cause. He provides clarity to the present, surveys the past, and offers guidance for the future as Christians navigate the ever-changing quest for identity. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the social, cultural, and political convulsions we are now experiencing. Highly recommended for those concerned with sustaining the Christian faith in a rapidly changing culture.

Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition, The

Lewis, C. S.
HarperOne
Oct 8, 2013
Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition, The Cover
Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition, The

The Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition is a masterpiece of satire that offers a sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to “Our Father Below.” This special annotated edition, published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s death, includes notes and excerpts from his other works that help illuminate this diabolical masterpiece. The annotations provide background information, explanations of terms, historical significance, and excerpts from Lewis’s other works that more fully explain the ideas in this volume. The addition of red ink inside the book for the notes makes it more intriguing for both first-time and veteran readers. Overall, this annotated edition is a beautiful and insightful guide to a beloved classic.

#TOP 5

The Problem of Pain

Lewis, C. S.
HarperOne
Apr 28, 2015

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis is a thought-provoking book that explores the question of why a loving God would allow pain and suffering in the world. With his characteristic insight and compassion, Lewis offers answers to this universal question and provides hope and wisdom to those seeking a deeper understanding of human nature. In a conversational tone, Lewis addresses topics such as Divine Omnipotence, Human Wickedness, Human Pain, and Heaven, and argues that pain is a necessary part of the human experience, preparing believers for the full weight of glory that awaits them in the afterlife. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone struggling to reconcile the existence of pain and suffering with their faith.

Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World

Armstrong, Karen
Sep 6, 2022
Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World Cover
Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World

Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World by Karen Armstrong is a powerful exploration of the spiritual significance of nature in human life. Armstrong highlights how nature has been revered and celebrated across different religions throughout history, and urges modern readers to rediscover the sacredness of nature in our daily lives. Her insights are particularly relevant in today's world, where climate change and environmental degradation threaten the very existence of our planet. This short book is a must-read for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature and find a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.

2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity

Lennox, John C.
Zondervan
Jun 2, 2020
2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity Cover
2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity

2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity is a thought-provoking book that delves into the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on our lives. John Lennox, a mathematician and philosopher, explores the key developments in technological enhancement, bioengineering, and AI, and provides credible answers to the daunting questions that AI poses. He also explains the key insights that Christianity and Scripture have about the nature of human beings, our future, and what separates us from machines. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity and the role of AI in our lives.

The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness (Newly Expanded Paperback Edition)

Wiesenthal, Simon
Schocken
May 1, 1998
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness (Newly Expanded Paperback Edition) Cover
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness (Newly Expanded Paperback Edition)

The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness (Newly Expanded Paperback Edition) is an important book that presents a thought-provoking study of forgiveness, justice, compassion, and human responsibility. It features the responses of fifty-three distinguished men and women, including Holocaust survivors, to Simon Wiesenthal's dilemma of whether to forgive a dying Nazi soldier who asked for his forgiveness. The book provides a broad range of perspectives that remind readers that Wiesenthal's questions are relevant to events of the present and the future. The book's unique approach makes it worth reading for anyone interested in history, ethics, and human rights.

The Screwtape Letters: With Screwtape Proposes a Toast

C. S. Lewis
HarperCollins
Mar 6, 2001
The Screwtape Letters: With Screwtape Proposes a Toast Cover
The Screwtape Letters: With Screwtape Proposes a Toast

The Screwtape Letters: With Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis is a timeless classic that explores moral questions about good and evil, temptation, repentance, and grace through a humorous exchange between two devils. The book is a brilliant imaginative creation that has sold millions of copies worldwide. This annotated edition is a must-have for both first-time and veteran readers, with a couple of hundred helpful annotations that make the book even more intriguing. Overall, this book is an excellent read that offers a unique perspective on Christianity and is a perfect joy to read.

#TOP 10

Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice

Williams, Thaddeus J.
John M. Perkins
Zondervan Academic
Dec 22, 2020
Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice Cover
Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice

Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams is a compelling book that explores the biblical perspective on social justice. Williams argues that Christians must be discerning in their pursuit of justice, and not simply engage in knee-jerk activism. He addresses a range of social justice issues, including racism, sexuality, socialism, and abortion, and presents a vision of justice for all of God's image-bearers. The book is unique in that it features contributions from a diverse range of theologians, sociologists, artists, and activists, offering a well-rounded perspective on the topic.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are ethics of a religion?

Faith-based ethics considers the moral challenges of our times against the background of those fundamental norms and values that undergird our Christian lives. The natural law tradition from Scholastic theology provides a means (among others) of placing these values in dialogue with new problems and new challenges.

2. What is an example of a religious ethic?

Virtually all of the world's great religions contain in their religious texts some version of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would wish them do unto you”. In other words, we should treat others the way we would want to be treated. This is the basic ethic that guides all religions.

3. What are the Religious Ethics in Christianity?

Christian ethics emphasizes morality. The law and the commandments are set within the context of devotion to God but are deontological standards defining what this morality is. The prophets of the Old Testament show God as rejecting all unrighteousness and injustice and commending those who live moral lives.

4. What are the five examples of ethical issues in religion?

A majority in each of the five major U.S. religious groups agree that the death penalty, divorce, medical testing on animals and wearing clothing made of animal fur are morally acceptable. And a majority in all groups agree that extramarital affairs, polygamy, suicide and cloning humans are morally wrong.

Editor's Notes

During our religious ethics book research, we found 1,200+ religious ethics book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,746 customer reviews through our big data system to write the religious ethics books list. We found that most customers choose religious ethics books with an average price of $16.29.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.