The Latest Edition of a Comprehensive, Classic Guide to Christian Ethics

What should we do or not do? Can we be good without God? What is the highest good, the purpose of human existence? These kinds of enduring questions are at the heart of the study of ethics.

This classic textbook, now in its fourth edition, offers a distinct approach to ethics grounded in and structured around God's revelation in Scripture. It provides a thorough overview of biblical ethics that addresses the life of love and wisdom to be lived out by Christians as virtuous individuals, as well as their calling in community, in society, and throughout God's creation.

Paul Copan and Robertson McQuilkin explore a wide range of ethical issues organized around the Ten Commandments and themes springing from them—loving God and loving others.

In this essential resource, Copan and McQuilkin



- lay a foundation by discussing key topics of love, law, sin, and virtue;

- compare ethical alternatives such as relativism, social contract, utilitarianism, and evolutionary ethics;

- examine contemporary issues in light of objective moral truths from Scripture;

- present differing views in areas where Christians often disagree; and

- include recommended reading in each chapter for further study.



An essential textbook for undergraduate and seminary ethics courses, this book is also a valuable guide for pastors and ministry leaders who are navigating complex ethical questions in their ministry.

The authors stay focused on the question of how we are fulfilling God's purposes for our lives—a will that is for our good. This comprehensive study is the ideal place to begin on the journey of living wisely, faithfully, and obediently.

What's New in the Fourth Edition

The fourth edition features an expanded comparison of ethical theories and covers new, timely topics such as deification, church and state, immigration, Old Testament ethical challenges, just war theory, stewardship of creation, gay marriage, gender identity, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism.



Paul Copan (PhD, Marquette University) is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is author or editor of many books, including An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, Is God a Moral Monster?, and Is God a Vindictive Bully?







Robertson McQuilkin served as the third president of Columbia International University for twenty-two years and is now president emeritus. His other books include Five Smooth Stones, The Great Omission, A Promise Kept and Life in theSpirit.



Contents

Preface

Introduction: Biblical Ethics and Living Wisely



Book One: Foundational Considerations



Part 1: Love

1. Defining Love

2. The Objects and Conflicts of Love



Part 2: Law

3. The Law: Its Definition and Purpose

4. The Law: Christ, Salvation History, and Obedience



Part 3: Sin

5. Sin: Its Definition and Its Origin

6. Sin: Its Descriptions and Its Results



Part 4: Virtues and Vices

7. Becoming a Virtuous Person

8. Self-Control and Bodily Appetites; Greed and Contentment

9. Humility, Faith, and Hope



Part 5: Ethical Alternatives

10.Relativism, the Social Contract, and Utilitarianism

11. The Duty Ethic, Evolutionary Ethics, and God as the Foundation for Morality



Book Two: Applying the Bible to Life



Part 6: God First

12. No Other Gods

13. Honoring God in Speech and Rest



Part 7: Sex, Marriage, and the Family

14. Foundational Considerations on Sexuality and the Purposes of Marriage

15. Violations of God's Purposes within Marriage

16. Nonmarital Violations of God's Purposes for Sexuality

17. Romance, Dating, and Engagement

18. The Question of Homosexuality: Biblical and Scientific Considerations

19. The Gay Marriage Question

20. The Christian Home



Part 8: Life Issues

21. Murder, Killing, and Racism

22. Abortion and Infanticide

23. Suicide, Euthanasia, and Other Medical Ethical Considerations

24. War and Peace25. Crime and Punishment



Part 9: Integrity: Property and Truth

26. Labor and Management, Work and Leisure

27. Economic Systems, Poverty, Wealth, and Theft

28. Truth and Deception



Part 10: Christians and Society

29. Church and State

30. Alternative Approaches to the Church-State Relationship

31. The Roles of Church and Government

32. Christian Engagement in Society



Appendix: Fallible Choices

Ethical Questions on Which Christians Differ

Knowing God's Will in Matters not Revealed in Scripture

Afterword

Name Index

Subject Index

Scripture Index