Introducing Christian EthicsEssay Preview: Introducing Christian EthicsReport this essayBook ReviewIntroducing Christian EthicsThe book that I have chosen to do my book review on is Introducing Christian Ethics, written by Henlee H. Barnette. This book deals with many Christian ethical decisions based on biblical foundations that are applied to various major problems. Some of the major problems pertain to the self, marriage and family, race relations, economic life, and political life. This book provides assistance to those in need of ethical guidance. This type of guidance is in great need as world and Christian ethical aspects are becoming a growing concern.
In writing this book, Barnette had a specific purpose for his readers to obtain. Barnettes purpose of this volume is to provide an introduction to Christian ethics which gives more attention to the biblical basis and the role of the Holy Spirit than is usually given in current texts on the subject. Barnette also hope for both college and seminary students who have had no orientation in Christian ethics will find the book helpful. The book is broken down into two parts, each with its own specific area of study for the readers. In Part One Barnette focuses on the basic principles of Christian morality. Within this section the nature and scope of Christian ethics are discussed followed by the examination of the ethical content of the Old Testament, also pointing out the ethics of the law, the prophets, and the sages. Part One is concluded by the ethical teachings of Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers paying special attention to the role of the Holy Spirit in morality.
The Ethics of the Bible in the Bible. The first chapter of the book contains information on teaching of Scripture in the Bible, which is written to be read by Christ and to be performed in all persons over the world who are baptized and in all churches and synagogues, and where Christians need to remain as long as possible. The book is divided into three parts, each one dealing with a different ethics including the teaching of the New Testament in certain areas of Christian morality, the Bible’s ethical system or doctrine, and the teaching of the Bible as a living Word in which persons, regardless of their faith or faith-body, are members. First chapter is an introduction to the biblical ethics and the meaning of Bible teaching in the Bible. Second chapter of the book, entitled, “The Principles of Christian Ethics,” is about the theological and doctrinal content of the Bible, which is written according to the principles laid down in Christ and the will of God. The third chapter consists of two parts that deal with the theological concerns, as well as about matters of ethics as the subject of this book. This book should be taken as a whole for Christian teaching, especially while at college, and a guide for the students to be prepared to deal with ethical issues and to use the Bible responsibly while teaching in schools. The fifth part deals with issues relating to theology and ethics, as well as with biblical moral and moral considerations in the case of Christians. Finally, the book also contains an index from chapters which is called Ecclesiastica, the Hebrew Bible, and the Gospel from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, the Bible, the Bible in general, and the New Testament in particular. The Introduction to this chapter covers all the major questions raised by Christian teaching in regard to the relationship between faith and Christ, especially in our understanding of the Christian life and the relationship between God and individuals; from Christ’s mission in this world and in his life on earth to the way of his earthly ministry
In this book Barnette sets forth the specific and unique basis on which his readers will be drawn to see how that life should be characterized or taken place in Christian theology. His chapters are divided into three parts and each one brings with it some questions he or she will probably have to ask themselves in a critical time. In the first part, he will draw on what his students will already know about the nature of Biblical teaching in terms of its teaching in the Bible; the nature of Bible teaching in general and its meaning. In the second part, he will discuss the ethics of Christian faith and Christianity as the world finds us, how to respond to that challenge, and how to adapt the Scriptures to the changing times and circumstances of the world. In addition, he will answer some of the ethical issues related to the role of Scripture in the life and ministry of the saints and of Jesus Christ. In the third part, he plans to show how the Bible teaches people in matters of ethics and how Christ’s Word is used as a moral guide in the life and ministry of the saints. In addition to these key topics he will also add some general insights into Christ’s ministry in the world and how Christians are able to discern God’s message, that he has said in the New Testament, to the need for Christian fellowship, and how he means by love to the cross and by his holy works as the Word of the LORD. Finally, Barnette presents the Biblical view of the meaning of the Gospel, the understanding and interpretation of the Gospel in the Christian world, the Gospel in the first century, and the Gospel in the 20th century. All are important topics in the book, so it should go well with your classes to read these topics one at a time.
Part Two of the book is centered on the problems of Christian Ethics. In this section the responsibility to the self and to society are examined. There are many suggestions as to the task of the church in relation to social issues, which appear in most chapters of Part Two.
After reading Introduction to Christian Ethics I believe that Barnette did indeed accomplish his purpose. Barnette was able to introduce Christian ethics in a very effective manner. Not only did he give a great introduction to Christian ethics, but he also backed his writing up with scripture and research allowing him to convey his message with a strong biblical basis. Barnette also gives special attention to the role of the Holy Spirit in this book. In chapter ten, Barnette discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian ethics, entitling it Ethics of the Holy Spirit.
As a college student with no prior experience in the study of Christian ethics this book was very helpful. The information that was presented was very well researched and backed by scripture. This in turn helped to implement a strong biblical emphasis on the subject. The material covered by Barnette can be very tough to not only write about but also to learn. The author set the book up nicely in order for the reader to learn and understand the material relatively easily. Barnette broke the book down into two separate parts. Each part is broken down into several chapters allowing the reader to learn quite effortlessly as the book progresses. This layout of the book made for an extensive yet understandable introduction to Christian ethics.
In this book Barnette elaborates on some very interesting points about Christian ethics. I agree with the points that he has written about. Scripture and very knowledgeable research back up these points. Many of the views and points that Barnette makes in this book, I myself already shared.