Christian Ethics – Living a Life That Is Pleasing to God by Wayne Grudem is an in-depth exploration answering the question, "What does the whole Bible teach us about which acts, attitudes, and personal character traits receive God's approval, and which do not?" The book is broken down into seven parts and forty-two chapters.
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Protecting God's Honor
Part 3: Protecting Human Authority
Part 4: Protecting Human Life
Part 5: Protecting Marriage
Part 6: Protecting Property
Part 7: Protecting Purity of Heart
According to the author, studying ethical topics in a focused manner is more beneficial than simply reading through the Bible or studying individual passages. This book aims to improve understanding of ethics. Secondly, it transforms instinctive convictions into informed ethical convictions. As a third goal, the author aims to help Christians improve their ethical convictions from imprecise to accurate. Lastly, Christians with an incorrect understanding of biblical morals may learn to understand biblical ethical convictions.
In studying Christian ethics we should examine it with prayer, humility, reason, help from others, by collecting and understanding all relevant passages of scripture on a topic, and through rejoicing and praise. Studying ethics in parts allows for a structured and comprehensive understanding of complex moral principles. Breaking down ethical topics into manageable sections enables individuals to focus on specific areas, leading to deeper insights and more meaningful applications in daily life. Additionally, this methodical approach ensures that each aspect of ethical teaching is thoroughly explored and understood in the context of the broader biblical narrative.
Grudem states: "...the only satisfactory and ultimate basis for ethical standards is the eternal, unchanging moral character of God. Before anything else existed, God existed. He is."
There is no way to cover everything within this 1323 page book so I will highlight some of the subjects throughout the book.
Chapter 26 of the book asks, Why should we take care of our bodies? How should we think about sleep, vaccinations, organic foods, tattoos, and circumcision? Firstly, our bodies are not evil and are gifts from God. All changed as a result of the Fall. Death entered the world because of sin, but Christians have the joy of a resurrected body someday. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator. As a result, we should care for our bodies and treat them as temples of the Holy Spirit. Every day, we should practice healthy habits, exercise, and sleep well. On vaccines the author says, "Vaccines are also part of 'nature' because they are made from products developed from nature. The whole world belongs to God, including all the ingredients for vaccines that he placed in the earth." I love what the author says about organic foods. Choice is up to each individual but it is not okay to "...assume that foods found in a 'natural state' unaffected by fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetic modifications, are more spiritual, more Christian, or more pleasing to God than foods that have been modified with modern agricultural research tools and methods." The only thing that I will say about circumcision is that it is no longer commanded by the New Covenant. You will find questions for personal application at the end of each chapter. There will be a list of any specific terms used within the chapter. The chapter concludes with a bibliography, other works, a literary memory passage, and a hymn.
The book also covers topics such as homosexuality and transgenderism, capital punishment, leadership in marriage, war, aging and death, alcohol and drugs, and poverty and wealth.
In terms of Christian ethics, this book is highly recommended for all Christians who are striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.
