This article considers how the Word of God is to be used in ethics. It highlights the difficulties that exist in this endeavour, and then proceeds into a discussion on hermeneutics. It provides and analyzes a definition of ethics by Klaas Schilder. From there it considers a number of wrong uses of Scripture, such as biblicism. At its conclusion this chapter calls for maturity and discernment in how the Scriptures are to be used in our ethical reflection.
The Ten Commandments occupy a special place in Scripture, and so it is little surprise that they gradually formed an integral part of the instruction in the church, also in its ethics. This article considers their special place, and how some have challenged their key position in the church. The author clarifies that the law is not a way of salvation, but instead a norm for life.
This article considers the place of the conscience in ethics. It evaluates a medieval distinction between synteresis (the light of nature) and conscientia (conscience). It also considers a more modern, philosophical view of the conscience, which in turn it rejects. It explains that even a good conscience does not justify us before God. Nevertheless, God can and does make claims on the conscience.
This article considers the question of compromise in ethical issues. It identifies the marks of a compromise: first, there has to be a conflict; second, compromise must be unavoidable; third, long-suffering plays a role; fourth, there can be no compromise without our suffering on account of it. At the same time, there are limitations to a compromise, which the author spells out.
Is there a difference between morals and ethics? This article offers a definition of each word to show that there is a distinction: morals are a social concern, while ethics can be very personal. Or, ethics is reflection on morals.
This article discusses the place of love in ethics. It explains that love does not stand over and against any commandment, but needs to permeate the commandments. It also discusses the Golden Rule and how it should be understood. Lastly, it discusses three kinds of love: agape, philia, and eros.
Often a Christian is faced with more than one viable option when having to make an important decision. But sometimes the decision involves a dilemma, wherein choosing the one thing might mean you are sinning by neglecting the other. This article discusses this matter, which is often called a clash of obligations. It considers whether God would command conflicting things. It goes on to show that it is not possible to obey a command of God and at the same time run afoul of the great commandment of love.
This article reflects on what it means that there are Christian morals, in contrast to those of the world. It acknowledges that there are many things that Christians do in the same way as non-Christians, as all have the law written on their heart. But it is the inner man that is different among Christians and non-Christians, which then allows us to speak of a Christian lifestyle in contrast to a worldly lifestyle.
This article considers the area of casuistry in ethics. The article explains the history of casuistry, including its place in Protestantism. It also mentions a number of objections that are raised against any form of casuistry. In the end, the author makes a plea for its retention, even if it has a limited role in ethics.
This article considers the role of prayer in ethics. This is otherwise known as ascetics, a subject that has all but disappeared from theological education. The author explains the meaning and content of the term, why it fell into disuse, and why it should be considered indispensable to ethics.
This article considers the matter of adiaphora, those things and actions that can be classified as neither good nor bad. It considers whether there even are adiaphora, and lists the answers for and against. It explains the origin of this term, namely, in the Stoics. The author comes to the judgment that there really are no such things as adiaphora.
This article provides a definition of Christian ethics: "Ethics is the reflection on the responsible activity of man towards God and his neighbour." The author unpacks this definition in the remainder of the article, considering questions like: Which actions are objects of study in ethics? Shouldn't nature or the individual himself be included in the definition as objects of one's responsible activity? Aren't ethics just concerned with our relationship to our neighbour?
This article explores the relationship between the Sabbath, the fourth commandment, and the Sunday. How should we celebrate and rest on Sunday? The author deals with challenges facing Christians in regard to keeping the fourth commandment, calling for tolerance among believers.