Reformers Bookcast: Christian Ethics (Episode 10, November 2020)

Summary

In this insightful bookcast, Laura Merrick joins the Reformers Bookshop in Sydney to discuss Christian ethics, focusing on how biblical principles guide moral conduct. They explore Wayne Grudem's 'Christian Ethics' and Dr. Megan Best's 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made,' examining how ethics applies to real-world issues, from honoring authority to the sanctity of life. The conversation delves into the distinction between Christian and secular ethics, emphasizing the objective truth found in God's moral character. Laura shares personal insights on how the study of ethics has influenced her life, highlighting the importance of intentionality and love in ethical decision-making.

Takeaways

• 📚 Reading is a habit that can lead to personal reform, especially when engaging with classic literature that has a significant impact on life.
• 🎙️ The Reformers Bookcast features discussions on Christian ethics with guests, such as Laura Merrick in this transcript.
• 👤 Laura Merrick, a guest on the Bookcast, is a member of Reevesby Presbyterian Church and shares her insights on ethics from her personal life experience.
• 📖 The book 'Christian Ethics' by Wayne Grudem is highlighted for its comprehensive breakdown of ethical principles and its accessibility in smaller sections.
• 🤔 The importance of studying ethics is discussed, emphasizing its role in helping Christians grow in maturity and holiness, and prepare for future decisions.
• 📝 Ethics are defined as moral principles that govern behavior, derived from both the Bible and practical wisdom aligned with biblical teachings.
• 🏛 The Ten Commandments are mentioned as a classic source of biblical guidance on how to live, with ethics being the application of these principles to real-world situations.
• 🚫 The complexity of applying biblical commands to modern ethical dilemmas, such as the beginning of life issues and the use of embryos in medical research, is acknowledged.
• 🌐 The difference between Christian ethics and secular ethics is the objective basis of truth found in Christian ethics, rooted in the moral character of God.
• 💡 The nature of God is identified as the fundamental source of good and bad, with obedience and ethical behavior flowing from understanding and respecting God's character.
• ⏰ The script concludes with a personal reflection on the importance of punctuality as an ethical consideration, illustrating how ethics can be applied to everyday actions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the Reformers Bookcast episode featuring Laura Merrick?

The main topic of the episode is Christian ethics or biblical ethics.

Who is the special guest in the Reformers Bookcast episode?

The special guest is Laura Merrick.

What book by Wayne Grudem does the discussion revolve around?

The book discussed is 'Christian Ethics' by Wayne Grudem.

What is Laura Merrick's connection to the book 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' by Dr. Megan Best?

Laura Merrick chose to read 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' as it featured in her catalogue a couple of years ago and was her mother's day request in 2018.

How does Laura Merrick define ethics in the context of the discussion?

Ethics are defined as moral principles that govern behavior or conduct, derived from a search to structure thought around different decisions.

What is the significance of the Ten Commandments in the context of biblical ethics?

The Ten Commandments serve as a classic place to find biblical principles that guide how Christians should live their lives.

How does the discussion differentiate between biblical ethics and secular ethics?

Biblical ethics are distinguished by having an objective basis of truth found in the Bible and God's moral character, unlike secular ethics which may lack an objective standard of right and wrong.

What is the role of the conscience in making ethical decisions according to the discussion?

The conscience is built in to warn us and is informed and renewed by the study of Christian ethics, providing frameworks of biblical principles to think through decisions.

How does the discussion relate the concept of obedience in Christian ethics to the benefits it brings?

Obedience in Christian ethics is related to the joys and blessings it brings, such as deeper fellowship with God, peace, and the functioning of a conscience in line with God's moral law.

What example does Laura Merrick provide about how the book has influenced her personal life?

Laura Merrick shares that the book has convicted her about the importance of punctuality, relating it to the commandment against bearing false witness and the broader concept of not making false vows.

What is the overarching concept suggested for dealing with situations where people have different views on ethical decisions?

The overarching concept is love for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and for God, which should guide actions whether in confronting sin or seeking unity in Christ.

How does the discussion address the ethical considerations regarding the use of human embryos in medical research and vaccines?

The discussion suggests that as Christians, there is a clear stance on honoring human life from conception, and this should inform the biblical response to advancements in science and technology, including the development of vaccines.