Why Be Good?

“One of the greatest debates in Christianity is over being good.”So, why should we be good?

This is a fascinating question for people of all religions, faiths and thought structures. If we cannot earn our salvation and God accepts us for who we are, why should we be good? Author David Smith investigates this question in his book, aptly titled, Why Be Good? Why Be Good? discusses the merits of being good and attempts to provide an answer to this age-old question. Smith opens his book with an interesting discussion on the one thing being good cannot do.
Why Be Good? advocates that salvation is a gift and being good will not earn us a ticket to heaven. “Humans hate to get something undeserved . . . accepting grace is painful,” says Smith.
Smith lists several reasons for being good as a personal incentive, a couple of which are that it nurtures relationships and deepens friendships. Our efforts to be good are a way in which we try to be like Jesus.
Smith has some pertinent points to make and does so succinctly, with a fair amount of clarity. His writing style is conversational, and his language is easily readable and not too pretentious.
However, he approaches the topic from a particular mindset that doesn’t often engage alternate points of view. Smith tends to slip into Christian jargon too often and there’s a danger of losing interested non-Christian readers.
Why Be Good? is an interesting book to read but should be approached with an open mind and a willingness to consider it from several points of view.
Al t h o u g h Why Be Good? has a few a b r a s i v e moments, Smith still uses it to pose interesting questions, and his answers provide stimulation and moments for reflection. This is a question with no one right answer other than it is good? It’s a question that will continue to echo down through the ages.

Why Be Good? David B Smith

1996, Review and Herald Publishing

112 pages