An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (B&H Studies in Christian Ethics)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
This book serves as an introduction to the field of biblical ethics, a subcategory of the discipline of moral theology. It differs from moral philosophy in that biblical ethics is distinctively Christian, and it is more specific than Christian ethics proper because it specifically focuses upon the application of the moral law—as it is revealed in Scripture—to daily living.
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics explains the nature, relevancy, coherency, and structure of the moral law as revealed throughout the Bible. In addition to covering the foundational elements of biblical ethics, major issues investigated in this volume include: different types of law in Scripture, the relationship between the law and the gospel, and issues related to the prospect of conflicting moral absolutes.
Additionally, after a discussion of ethical methodology, and using the Ten Commandments as a moral rubric, author David W. Jones explores the place of the moral law in the lives of believers. In the final chapters, the events surrounding the giving of the Decalogue are surveyed, and the application of each of the Ten Commandments to Christian living is explored.
- Offers a perspective of biblical ethics that is bibliocentric, theocentric and Christocentric
- Treats biblical ethics as a matter of truth authoritatively and reliably revealed by God for all humanity
- Seeks to prepare the Christian community for moral battle, to inspire holiness and expose corruption, and to raise families that pursue righteousness and fear of God
Top Highlights
“Biblical ethics is the study and application of the morals prescribed in God’s Word that pertain to the kind of conduct, character, and goals required of one who professes to be in a redemptive relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Page 6)
“A third distinctive of biblical ethics is that it seeks to recognize and to participate in God’s moral order already present within the created order and in special revelation. In other words, biblical ethics is revelatory and participatory in nature, not constructive and formative.” (Page 3)
“To elaborate, the word ethics, which comes from the Greek term ethos, is a broad term that refers to a manner of living. The word morals, which is derived from the Latin word mos, is a more focused term that is used in reference to specific customs, habits, or conduct.11 In other words, ethics emphasizes an entire belief system and gives a general perspective; morality emphasizes individual acts and gives specific principles.” (Pages 5–6)
“In contrast to utilitarianism, deontological theories make ethical judgments based on the morality of actions themselves. When evaluating a moral event within a deontological system of ethics, moral praise or blame is assigned based on the conformity (or lack thereof) of specific actions to prescribed morals.” (Pages 11–12)
“A second use of the moral law is the convictional use, which is sometimes referred to as the evangelical, proper, or theological use of the moral law.” (Page 60)
I believe this will becom the standard in the field of biblical ethics. It is clear, concise, and eminently readable. We have long needed a book like this, and now we have it. Thank you, Dr. Jones!
Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
David W. Jones has written a well-informed, readable, and practical introduction to the study of Christian ethics. For every important ethical topic, he carefully documents and summarizes a number of different Christian views and then argues graciously and effectively for the position he favors. He constantly returns to Scripture as his ultimate standard and makes many practical applications to ordinary life. Readers will find this to be an excellent introduction to biblical ethics for many years to come
Wayne Grudem, research professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary
It is always a joy to see books that tackle the issue of ethics in our day, but that also deliberately approach the topic from a biblical standpoint. Therefore, it is my privilege to commend to you this volumen. May you enjoy he success it deserves, for there are too few who have had the courage to use the Scriptures in confronting such hard ethical questions in our times.
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., president emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
David W. Jones is a distinctive evangelical scholar, anointed with biblical wisdom and gospel passion. This book will teach, rebuke, and encourage, and it will provoke conversations that will linger long after the last page is turned
Russel D. Moore, Ph.D., president, SBC Ethics & Religous Liberty Commission