Ethics

Ethics concerns what is right and wrong and how we decide. Christian ethics draws on the teachings of the church and witness of the Bible. 

The assertion in the Scots Confession of 1560 that we interpret the plain text of scripture by the principles of Christian faith and the rule of law in the New Testament is very helpful for Christian ethics. As we consider contemporary issues, which could not have been contemplated by those who wrote the Bible, we need to apply Christian scripture in the light of church doctrines and the great commandment to love God and our neighbors.

Ecology 

Ecology concerns the life of the earth. It poses ethical issues of paramount importance, because we depends on the earth for life and yet humankind is rapidly degrading the capacity of the earth to support life.

Rights 

Human rights are not only international law but a matter of faith. Thus, ethical issues concerning rights require not only a concern for the law but also an understanding of the biblical imperatives.

A study of religious support all over the globe for international human rights law was published in 1991 under the title Faith in Human Rights. Chapters include ethical arguments by the World Council of Churches, Evangelicals, and Catholics.

Sex 

There is much controversy in the church today concerning sex before marriage and homosexuality. The latter issue bitterly divides many Protestant denominations.

Letters from Jerusalem 

I am working in Jerusalem with Israelis and Palestinians, who are committed to a just peace through nonviolent initiatives.  Each week I write a reflection on justice, faith and history.

Rabbis for Human Rights

A Jewish voice in Israeli for a just peace.  I've collected several helpful statements made by RHR leaders.

Selective Divestment

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted in the summer of 2004 to pursue selective divestment in corporations selling merchandise to the Israeli government, which is being used to maintain the occupation of Palestinian land.  This essay is a ethical reflection on the actions of the Church.

War 

In response to attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, the United States has declared war on terrorism and has organized a coalition of nations to support attacks on countries harboring terrorists.  How are Christians to respond?

Non-Adversarial Conflict Resolution 

Adversarial (assertive) strategies are taken for granted in the West. But this approach to conflict is a win-lose. Our biblical heritage suggests a non-adversarial approach.

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1 in Faith: A Christian Bible Study † Copyright © 2000 by Robert Traer