Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

ethics

Wayne Grudem’s Introduction to Christian Ethics

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This book is now available:

Wayne Grudem. Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018.

My endorsement:

This is the best all-around book on Christian ethics I’m aware of, and I plan to require it as the primary textbook for my course on biblical ethics. Grudem writes in his characteristic style: clear, logical, accessible, and (usually!) persuasive. [Read more…] about Wayne Grudem’s Introduction to Christian Ethics

Departing in Peace: Biblical Decision-Making at the End of Life

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This is the most practical book I know of on the ethics of end-of-life decision-making:

Bill Davis. Departing in Peace: Biblical Decision-Making at the End of Life. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2017.

You can read a 48-page sample PDF here.

Four excerpts:

  1. Declining treatment is not a form of suicide. (p. 51)
  2. Letting die is not the same as killing. (p. 59)
  3. We are not biblically required to start or continue to use medical treatment that is excessively burdensome. We may choose to start or continue its use when we believe that doing so is part of faithful stewardship of our resources, but we are not obligated to bear excessive medical burdens in order to stay alive. (p. 78)
  4. God’s Word does not require us to force food or water on our loved ones by mechanical means if the burdens of those means greatly exceed the benefits involved. (p. 105)

5 Free Classes on Ethics

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This semester is my first time teaching a course on Biblical Ethics. It’s been a steep learning curve for me, so I’ve been preparing by reading more than I normally do for a class.

Over Christmas break I also listened to five free thought-provoking courses:

justice1. Michael J. Sandel’s course “Justice” at Harvard University. Sandel has taught political philosophy at Harvard since 1980, and over 15,000 students have taken his course. WGBH and Harvard University coproduced the course as a TV series in 2005, which is what you can watch free online or via iTunes. (The 24 lectures are also available on YouTube.) I watched the course and then read Sandel’s corresponding book that released in 2009: Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Sandel is thoughtful, respectful, and provocative. I disagree with his liberal political bent and the ultimate grounds for his ethical views, but I love how he engagingly teaches with the Socratic method. [Read more…] about 5 Free Classes on Ethics

Should Christians Use Contraceptives?

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It depends.

Is it sometimes wrong? Yes.

Is it always wrong? No.

Here are some helpful recent resources (best overall = Grisanti):

  1. Alcorn, Randy. Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions? 10th ed. Sandy, OR: Eternal Perspective Ministries, 2011.
  2. Burk, Denny. “Glorify God with Your Family Planning.” Ch. 5 (pp. 139–55) in What Is the Meaning of Sex? Wheaton: Crossway, 2013.
  3. Davis, John Jefferson. “Contraception.” Pages 27–67, 291–97 in Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today. 3rd ed. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2004.
  4. Driscoll, Mark. “Question 9: Birth Control.” Pages 15–43, 263–66 in Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions. Re:Lit. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2009.
  5. Feinberg, John S., and Paul D. Feinberg. “Introduction to the Ethics of Human Sexuality: Sex and Birth Control.” Ch. 6 (pp. 267–306, 767–71) in Ethics for a Brave New World. 2nd ed. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.
  6. Frame, John M. “Birth Control” and “Means of Birth Control.” Pages 782–87 in The Doctrine of the Christian Life. A Theology of Lordship. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008. Cf. Doug Moo’s review of this book.
  7. Geisler, Norman L. “Birth Control.” Appendix 4 (pp. 396–405) in Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010.
  8. Grisanti, Michael A. “Birth Control and the Christian: Recent Discussion and Basic Suggestions.” The Master’s Seminary Journal 23 (2012): 85–112. Grisanti is an OT scholar with 8 children.
  9. Hollinger, Dennis P. “The Ethics of Contraception: A Theological Assessment.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 56 (2013): 683–96.
  10. Köstenberger, Andreas J., with David W. Jones. “Contraception.” Pages 121–29, 336–38 in God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation. 2nd ed. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.
  11. Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. “Can Christians Use Birth Control?” AlbertMohler.com, May 8, 2006.
  12. Perman, Matt. “Does the Bible Permit Birth Control?” Desiring God, January 23, 2006.
  13. Piper, John. “Should Christians Use the Pill?” Ask Pastor John. December 5, 2013.
  14. Rae, Scott B. “Birth Control.” Pages 286–89 in Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.
  15. Storms, Sam. “Birth Control.” Enjoying God. June 12, 2006.
  16. VanDrunen, David. “Marriage, Procreation, and Contraception.” Pages 97–117 in Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2009.
  17. Wheat, Ed, and Gaye Wheat. Intended for Pleasure: Sex Technique and Sexual Fulfillment in Christian Marriage. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Revell, 2010. See pp. 162–94.
  18. Wilson, Douglas. “Eleven Theses on Birth Control.” Blog & Mablog, 16 February 2011.