This book investigates the fundamental tension between traditional moral frameworks and the challenges posed by a contemporary secular worldview. Basil Mitchell, a noted philosopher of religion, examines how modern moral confusion arises from the disconnect between inherited ethical values and the lack of a coherent metaphysical foundation in secular thought. He argues that many secular thinkers inadvertently rely on a Christian-influenced conscience that remains difficult to justify within a purely naturalistic framework.

Scholars and students of ethics frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the dialogue between theology and secular philosophy. Readers often note the intellectual rigor of the prose, which provides a structured approach to understanding the complexities of moral identity in the modern era.