An Introduction to Biblical Ethics

by Robertson McQuilkin

McQuilkin encourages Christians and nonChristians alike to avoid the trap of seeing the Bible as dry history or “nice words.” God's Word should be the driving force behind morality.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Textbooks, Christianity, History

560 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

Reviews

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction for Christians seeking to pursue holiness as a member of the church as Christ's body who subsequently seek to live virtuously in a pluralistic society.

[John Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom (third edition) by J. Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan is an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of biblical ethics from a Christian worldview. The book is uniquely organized around the ethical implications that emerge from within the Ten Commandments, namely the love for God and the love for neighbor. The structure of the book is much the same as the previous editions, but Copan has both added and updated the material to reflect modern concerns (i.e. end-of-life ethics, stem-cell research, animal rights, sexuality, plastic surgery, genetics and technology, etc.). McQuilkin and Copan are attentive to allow the Scriptures to inform the conversation throughout and the reader will appreciate this clear line of sight.

Chapters 1-11 establish some of the foundational concerns with constructing a biblical ethic, such as a biblical view of love, law, sin, etc. McQuilkin and Copan have also added a section focused on ethical alternatives to help orient the reader more firmly in the Christian tradition. This allows the reader to identify the detectives of a biblical ethic more clearly before any attempt is made to apply the Bible to life. Chapters 12-34 build upon the foundation of the biblical ethic previously established and helps the reader apply such to various ethically related topics. These chapters will comprise the heartbeat of the book for most readers and users of this introduction. The issues discussed are vast, and McQuilkin and Copan offer a detailed treatment of each from a conservative evangelical perspective—both saturated with Scripture and logically presented with the consistency of conviction.

This third edition of An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom follows in the footsteps of two well-received prior editions. Paul Copan has brought a fresh set of eyes to the task and built upon McQuilkin’s work with rigor and awareness. This is a book to keep nearby and consult often. It is an introduction, so readers will need to plan accordingly for further study. But for those that are ready to get their feet wet and begin applying the Bible to everyday life, McQuilkin and Copan is a first-rate resource. It is trustworthy, dependable, and equally engaging. Disagreements will arise for some readers. However, those who honestly analyze the arguments presented in this book should walk away with a new perspective worthy of consideration and application in the Christian life. I couldn’t recommend this book more!

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a required textbook for my MDiv ethics class at Liberty University. It is very thorough and well reasoned and is written about at the level you would expect for a graduate level textbook. It is divided into two books, eleven parts, and 34 chapters. The first book deals with core issues like love, law, sin, virtue, and ethical alternatives. The second book is more topical in dealing with issues like God, sex, life issues (abortion, murder, suicide, war, etc), property, and society. I thoroughly enjoyed the book although I didn't fully agree with everything written. Then again, I don't think I would ever find a book on ethics that is not the Bible that I would fully agree with... even if I wrote it myself. That said, I am very possibly going to be teaching ethics at a high school level next year, so I am glad this book is now a part of my library. I am sure I will be referring back to it often.

[Eric Rankin]

Read this one for an Ethics class. I got an A so I suppose the book is pretty good.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

McQuilkin writes an accessible, erudite, gracious, and comprehensive overview of the ethical decisions we must face as Christians alive on planet Earth. A stimulating and entertaining read!

[Skylar · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't quite finish everything

[Melody Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like stating the obvious, but maybe that’s just ethics

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who is looking for a solid treatment of Christian ethics which is viewed through the lens of the Ten Commandments, and applied to our modern world, will not be disappointed by this volume. Robertson McQuilkin has done a tremendous service to the church by providing a book that covers a lot of terrain and does so in a very readable style.

No better description can be provided of the book than that which is given by Kenneth S. Kantzer on the backside of this book's cover: "(McQuilkin) discusses the issues of our relation to God, sex, marriage, family, home, human life, race, abortion, infanticide, suicide, suicide, euthanasia, war, crime and punishment, labor and management, work and leisure, private property, perjury, lying, church and state, the role of government, education of our children, and the ethical responsibility of the public media. Each is dealt with honestly in the complex way we meet it in real life."

Two features of the book that I especially appreciated were the frequent references to Scripture, and a list of books for recommended reading at the end of each chapter.

[David Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give five stars to a book, unless it is really good. This is an exceptional introduction to biblical ethics. The authors do a great job of applying biblical principles to all kinds of moral problems. The reader will find discussions on issues varying from sexuality to politics, from finding God's will to Christian activity in the media and education. My official review, as usual, will be published on my blog (philosopherdhaines.blogspot.ca).

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so large. It took me forever to get through it. Some parts are really good and other parts make me want to fall asleep. Overall it's a good book, although I can arguably disagree with him in many places. Read it for Christian ethics. I may use it as a source book, but that's about it.

[Jay Risner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough.

[Sara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and thought provoking book.