An Introduction to Biblical Ethics

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.



Robertson McQuilkin (1927–2016) served as the third president of Columbia International University for twenty-two years. His books include Five Smooth Stones, The Great Omission, A Promise Kept, and Life in the Spirit.







Paul Copan (PhD, Marquette University) is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University. His books include The Gospel in the Marketplace of Ideas, A Little Book for New Philosophers, and Creation Out of Nothing.



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