Biblical Christian Ethics

By David Clyde Jones

Book Overview

Consistent, rational thinking about ends, motives, and means distinguishes ethical decisions that are "Christian" and "biblical" in Biblical Christian Ethics.

Taking as his starting point Romans 12:1-2 and its call to believers to be living sacrifices, David Clyde Jones finds the central theme of ethics in the statement that our "chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever."

Jones approaches ethics as a study of a way of life that conforms to the will of God. He examines principles and casuistry in such matters as the sanctity of life, sexuality, economic justice, and truthfulness. He discusses how love is reflected in law, the appropriate approach to moral conflict, and specific issues involving marriage and the family. And he applies biblical principles to dilemmas arising from divorce and marriage.

Throughout, the book draws together and explains the central ideas of philosophers and ethicists from Aristotle to Smedes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801052289
• ISBN13: 9780801052286
• Release Date: June 1994
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

very biblical

I found this book is a good book. In part because auther developed his point based on Bible and word study. I enjoyed it very much.

A Much Needed Framework

As Christians, too many of us have the tendency to approach ethics using the cultural standards from the past, or isolated proof texts that may be taken out of context. In this wonderful book, Dr. Jones gives a balanced, thoroughly biblical approach to a way of life that glorifies God and helps us to consistently apply our faith to the issues we will face. One excellent example: "The divinely appointed way to good works is through the gracious gift of faith which unites us to Christ. The handiwork of God's new creation is exhibited in discipleship. Before faith our attitude was: 'Nobody tells me what to do.' Now the attitude of faith is: 'Show me what you want me to do.' Before faith we assumed our lives were our own to be lived as we pleased. Now with Jeremiah we confess, 'I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). Those whom God has bought with a price he does not leave on their own to figure out what to do with their new lives. God gives directions for the the good works he has prepared in advance for believers saved by grace to do. The directing principle of the Christian life is the will of God as revealed in Christ and the holy Scriptures and illuminated by the Holy Spirit." (p. 60). Jones is clear, Biblical, and grace-centered throughout. After setting up the framework, he also shows how to apply it to some big areas of ethics - Marriage & Family and Divorce and Remarriage. If you are desiring to base your beliefs about issues on the truth found in Scripture, and not on political, cultural or social opinions - this is the book for you. Thank you Dr. Jones for doing such outstanding service for the Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria!

Stunning in its clarity!!!

Dr. Jones bypasses all of the current fads in ethical writing by laying out clear, concise and common-sense information. His work is a must-read for anyone in today's society who believes that right and wrong contain absolutes, and that there are logical paths for discovering these. A brilliant professor, Dr. Jones brings his points home with equal clarity in print. Christians in business NEED this book in their library, and they need to read it over and over again.