Moral Values and the Idea of God - Gifford Lectures

In this review of Moral Values and the Idea of God by W. R. Sorley, the reviewer finds a thoughtful collection of the Gifford Lectures delivered at Aberdeen in 1914 and 1915, aimed at readers interested in ethical philosophy and theological reflection. The single biggest reason to pick up this volume is its continuous, carefully argued treatment of the relation between moral principles and the idea of God, presented as a coherent series despite a gap between the tenth and eleventh lectures. This edition is best for readers who value historical lecture series and clear, sustained argument rather than a survey of contemporary debates.

Key Features

• Continuous argument: The lectures are arranged to form a single, sustained line of thought connecting moral values with the idea of God.
• Historical context: Delivered in the University of Aberdeen during 1914 and 1915, the text preserves the original lecture sequence and tone.
• Compact scope: Sorley avoids an extended critical survey of contemporary thought, keeping the focus on his own development of the theme.
• Lecture format: Being Gifford Lectures, the content reads as spoken, making complex ideas accessible through structured exposition.
• Philosophical kinship: The text acknowledges and aligns with related work by contemporaries, offering a complementary perspective rather than exhaustive critique.

Who It's For

This book suits students of moral philosophy, clergy, and thoughtful readers of religious studies who want a primary-source look at early 20th century theological argumentation and ethical theory. It is particularly helpful for those studying the history of philosophical theology or the Gifford Lectures as an institutional genre.

Readers seeking a modern, comprehensive survey of recent philosophical literature or a heavily critical engagement with contemporary positions should look elsewhere, since Sorley intentionally limits extended critique in favor of presenting his own reasoning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, continuous presentation of an argument linking moral values to the concept of God.
• Preserves the original lecture sequence delivered at Aberdeen, valuable for historical study.
• Concise focus keeps the book readable and directed toward its central claims.
• Useful as a complementary voice to other Gifford Lecturers and early 20th-century philosophers.

Cons

• Not a broad critical survey of contemporary philosophy, so readers expecting exhaustive engagement may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Moral Values and the Idea of God (Classic Reprint)
Author	W. R. Sorley
Origin	Gifford Lectures delivered at the University of Aberdeen
Lecture dates	Summer terms of 1914 and 1915
Structure	Series of lectures forming a continuous argument
Focus	Relation between moral values and the idea of God

Our Verdict

W. R. Sorley's lecture collection is a worthwhile purchase for readers who want a focused historical treatment of ethical theology; it delivers a coherent, lecture-born argument and good value for anyone studying the Gifford Lectures or early 20th-century religious philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these original lectures or a later summary?
They are the lectures as delivered in 1914 and 1915, presented here in sequence to preserve the continuous argument.

Does the book survey contemporary philosophy?
No, Sorley intentionally avoids an extended critical survey and concentrates on developing his own line of thought.

Who is the author?
The lectures were written and delivered by W. R. Sorley, a lecturer in the Gifford series at the University of Aberdeen.