Flawed Perfection: What It Means to Be Human and Why It Matters for Culture, Politics, and Law

by Jeffrey A. Brauch

Publisher:

Lexham Press

, 2017

Understanding Our Nature

In order to understand the problems that face the world, you have to understand human nature.

Issues created by humanity itself seem to plague our world—from exploitation and violence to decisions about how to wisely govern or care for human life. And these topics aren’t just abstract problems—they impact the day-to-day lives of many individuals globally.

But in light of the complexity and brokenness that such issues hold, how should Christians respond in a thoughtful, ethical way?

It starts, says Jeffrey A. Brauch, with a correct view of human nature, one based in the Bible—which says that we’re both fallen but also created in God’s image, sinless. Such a perspective gives us a starting place from which to speak out against injustice while fundamentally seeing humanity as God’s creations. By looking at legal policy and history and the ways that both legal action and grassroots activism have succeeded and failed, Flawed Perfection is a non-partisan examination of many issues that challenge Christians today—and provides the language to think carefully through and then respond to those issues in light of the gospel.

Praise for Flawed Perfection

If either the title or the subject of this book strikes you as dry or tedious, don’t be put off. Jeffrey Brauch has a well-earned reputation for taking the dry and the tedious and making them come very much alive. He lives up to that reputation on just about every page of this book.

—Joel Belz, founder, World Magazine

Flawed Perfection is a perfect read. I highly recommend this book for legal professionals and non-legal professionals alike. Brauch tackles an amazingly complex issue with winsomeness and ease—explaining legal concepts in an easy-to-understand fashion, yet giving full depth to each concept. You will appreciate how he addresses human nature, global and domestic (USA) issues, and how, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should engage in the cultural battles of today.

—Brent McBurney, president and CEO, Advocates International

Top Highlights

“I will look at three critical concepts: First, we are made in the image of God. Each of us has dignity and worth that do not depend on race, gender, income, power, or influence. Second, we are fallen. While we are made in God’s image, that image is obscured and flawed in a profound way; humans are capable of both great good and great evil. Third, we are accountable moral agents. While we are influenced by our genes, upbringing, and culture, we are responsible for the moral choices we make—and for the consequences of moral failure.” (Page 11)

“People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.” (Page 37)

“Why did God insist that punishment not degrade the convicted criminal? Because even the criminal bears God’s image.” (Page 26)

“First, it affects our ability to exert dominion over creation” (Page 29)

“We must be careful here, however. Christian and secular views of human dignity are not the same. They perhaps differ most in their account of the source of human dignity. For many, human dignity is rooted in our autonomy—our ability to will and to make choices.” (Page 23)

Contents

• Part 1: Human Nature
  • Why Human Nature Matters
  • Christianity on Human Nature
• Part 2: Global Issues
  • Human Trafficking
  • Biotechnology
  • Genocide
  • Human Rights
• Part 3: Domestic Issues
  • Rule of Law
  • Criminal Punishment
  • Environmental Influence Defenses
  • Christian Utopianism

Product Details

• Title: Flawed Perfection: What It Means to Be Human and Why It Matters for Culture, Politics, and Law
• Author: Jeffrey A. Brauch
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 240
• Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
• Trim Size: 5.5x8.5
• ISBN: 9781683590248

About Jeffrey A. Brauch

About Jeffrey A. Brauch

Jeffrey A. Brauch is a professor of law and former dean at Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During his more than 20 years at the school, he has taught classes on the Christian foundations of law, international human rights, criminal law, civil procedure, and the origins of the Western legal tradition—covering a breadth of issues and providing him with the inspiration to write Flawed Perfection. He also helped found and is the executive director of Regent's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. He and his wife, Rebecca, lead the college and career group at their church and have four children.