Customer Reviews

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dr. McQuilkin's textbook on Christian Ethics is actually a very well-written development of the Ten Commandments for today. The book would be very acceptable to Reformed-Presbyterians, and other groups with strong Sabbatarian convictions.

However, I only give it 3 stars because it's not really a book about distinctively Christian ethics...Christian being defined as New Covenant ethics. There is no real acknowledgement that there are any other approaches to Christian ethics than the transposition of the Ten Commandments as such into the present era. There is no discussion of the greater redemptive framework within which ethics operates (Old vs. New Covenant). There is little discussion on how the shift from a political theocracy to an international faith-confessing body changes the ethical system we follow (e.g., the absence of land-references or any civil laws in the New Testament).

Although Dr. McQuilkin is a Baptist, his underlying assumption is that of covenant theology, and the way he handles O.T. law is almost Theonomic. Now, if you agree with that, then you'll think this book is fine. And it is a good book, well worth reading. But it fails to deal with most of the bigger theological issues underlying Christian ethics, and presupposes an approach that many Christians might not accept.

We live in a world where ethics are no longer a concern. What is sin one day is viewed as normal the next (see Massachusetts and its legalizing of gay marriages). Dr. McQuilkin gives the Christian a textbook on biblical ethics. His authority is not his opinion or his astute intelect but the inerrant Word of God.

There is hardly an issue that Dr. McQuilkin does not deal with from pornography, alcohol, abortion, war, politics, and homosexuality. He comes at each issue with one purpose and that is to examine what the Bible says about the issue. Sometimes that is easier said than done. However, Dr. McQuilkin always seeks to find a biblical understanding of ethics and disregards cultural values that change with the latest opinion polls.

This book is and answer to many questions one may have about ethics. Have a problem with some area of life, look it up in the index and the author helps you find the answers in the Bible. Sometimes a little preachy but mostly clear consice information you can share with others. Looks like a textbook but works great on the nightstand.

I brought the book for school it is in great condiction I received it very quickly I will be buying more books in the furture.

I know the author and he has my deepest respect. He practices what he preaches! I use this book for my adult Sunday School class and my students love it. The first six chapters are a must read; the rest is a handy and helpful resource. The scholarship is well-done, very practical, and thoroughly biblical.

One of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading/studying. It really breaks done the Love of God and explains how we should Love. I recommend that anyone one who is in Seminary or taking any type of Religious study class should really think about getting this book. I gaurantee you will love it and cherish it and use it over and over again as a reference....

This is the best book on the topic that I have ever read!