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Crucial Questions #15
How Can I Develop a Christian Conscience?
In Walt Disney’s classic animated movie Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket sings, “Always let your conscience be your guide.” The Bible confirms that the human conscience is real and important, but it also shows that our conscience can lead us astray. It has been twisted by sin and may tell us that right is wrong and wrong is right. So, when can we trust our conscience?
In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that we must calibrate our conscience according to the Bible. With practical application, he shows how studying Scripture helps us, by God’s grace, to build a mature Christian conscience.
The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
418 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
673 books1,941 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 5, 2017
Short little book.
Sproul is invariably far more conservative than I am. But he does not come across as a fire and brimstone preacher either. He's somewhere in between and I'm that sense he strikes a good balance.
I will probably have to re-read the books in this series as they are somewhat dense. He appears to enjoy philosophical underpinnings and arguments. I like that. But with all questions of existence, one needs time for the cancel and argument to sink in. I am in that period of steeping.
Sproul is invariably far more conservative than I am. But he does not come across as a fire and brimstone preacher either. He's somewhere in between and I'm that sense he strikes a good balance.
I will probably have to re-read the books in this series as they are somewhat dense. He appears to enjoy philosophical underpinnings and arguments. I like that. But with all questions of existence, one needs time for the cancel and argument to sink in. I am in that period of steeping.
December 18, 2020
Claro y Preciso
Sproul aborda brevemente diversos puntos, los mas relevantes para poder entender la cuestión de la conciencia y sobre todo como debe lucir aquella que hace llamarse cristiana.
Cuidando de caer en dos extremos legalismo o antinomianismo. Y la conciencia de pecado.
Sproul aborda brevemente diversos puntos, los mas relevantes para poder entender la cuestión de la conciencia y sobre todo como debe lucir aquella que hace llamarse cristiana.
Cuidando de caer en dos extremos legalismo o antinomianismo. Y la conciencia de pecado.
January 5, 2023
Hit it right on the nail.
Great book.. very interesting presentation to the answer. Was not sure how bit would be tackled. RD Sproul always has a way off presenting his answer in such a logical manner. Will definitely be reading this again.
Great book.. very interesting presentation to the answer. Was not sure how bit would be tackled. RD Sproul always has a way off presenting his answer in such a logical manner. Will definitely be reading this again.
May 3, 2018
Conscience transformation better than conformity
I love how Sproul challenges us to rethink the lens we view sin, the law, and our need to have our conscience shaped by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. The chapter on legalism was a good challenge for me to ask the Lord to search my heart and know my ways. In the end, I praise God for His grace is sufficient for a sinner desperate in need.
I love how Sproul challenges us to rethink the lens we view sin, the law, and our need to have our conscience shaped by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. The chapter on legalism was a good challenge for me to ask the Lord to search my heart and know my ways. In the end, I praise God for His grace is sufficient for a sinner desperate in need.
December 18, 2017
This is my least favorite book in Dr. Sproul's series so far. It does not actually answer the question its title poses. We get pictures of Christian character and missteps to avoid, but no practical advice. It's a good book; it just doesn't deliver on what it promises.
January 11, 2018
This is a very difficult question in our Jiminy Cricket age in which we think out conscience can be our guide, when in reality, our consciences are often calloused by sin; and R.C. Sproul elegantly addresses this issue and explains how it can be dealt with in a godly manner.
May 4, 2021
I usually enjoy R.C. Sproul's "Crucial Questions" books, but I wasn't sure about this one.
This felt like one of the denser, more philosophical, books in the series, and it started off with an essay about the law, and the idea that there is not much point to the law if people break it. Sproul also mentioned the fact that the religious leaders in Jesus' day used to bend the laws to their own benefits.
I was expecting a more explicit message about how Jesus came to set us free from the law, and the notion that it is by faith, not by works, that we are saved, but instead the book switched its focus to how there are varying degrees of sin.
Maybe I missed the point, and need to read it again, but I was left with a sense that the book did not answer its own question.
This felt like one of the denser, more philosophical, books in the series, and it started off with an essay about the law, and the idea that there is not much point to the law if people break it. Sproul also mentioned the fact that the religious leaders in Jesus' day used to bend the laws to their own benefits.
I was expecting a more explicit message about how Jesus came to set us free from the law, and the notion that it is by faith, not by works, that we are saved, but instead the book switched its focus to how there are varying degrees of sin.
Maybe I missed the point, and need to read it again, but I was left with a sense that the book did not answer its own question.
July 14, 2023
I appreciate the reminder of the difference between ethics and morals, and the encouragement to look to the Bible in all situations. I agree with Sproul on so many things and love his deep theology!
However, with this one, I disagree with the concept that if someone was raised to believe that dancing is wrong, then it IS wrong for them. Maybe I read that wrong. But I know many many people, myself included, who were raised without dancing (among a multitude of other standards which seemed right at the time), who now believe that dancing is perfectly acceptable. I believe one can follow the Lord and dance, just for example, as dancing is far from prohibited in Scripture, but even encouraged.
However, with this one, I disagree with the concept that if someone was raised to believe that dancing is wrong, then it IS wrong for them. Maybe I read that wrong. But I know many many people, myself included, who were raised without dancing (among a multitude of other standards which seemed right at the time), who now believe that dancing is perfectly acceptable. I believe one can follow the Lord and dance, just for example, as dancing is far from prohibited in Scripture, but even encouraged.
February 4, 2018
No name deserves greater trust in explaining the Christian faith than that of the late Dr. R. C. Sproul. This volume on developing a Christian conscience is brief but nonetheless thorough and clear. Drawing distinctions between ethics and morality, carefully explaining legalism and antinomianism, and highlighting the difference in severity of certain kinds of sin, Dr. Sproul lays a firm foundation for developing a Christian conscience. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a brief but clear treatment of Christian ethics. You will want to read further and more deeply, but this book will give you a sturdy frame on which you can begin building your understanding.
September 5, 2023
It was good, but in a strange way seemed a different Sproul
Great content overall as usual, appreciated and learned from the breakdown of the different types of antinomianism and the types of Law. I will say at some points in the chapters, it read to me as if someone else was speaking instead of RC Sproul. Very subjective, I’m aware, and I can’t find an exact example as I look back, but this would be the 12th book in the series I’ve read so far and there were sections which had a different feeling for an author.
The ending was abrupt.
Great content overall as usual, appreciated and learned from the breakdown of the different types of antinomianism and the types of Law. I will say at some points in the chapters, it read to me as if someone else was speaking instead of RC Sproul. Very subjective, I’m aware, and I can’t find an exact example as I look back, but this would be the 12th book in the series I’ve read so far and there were sections which had a different feeling for an author.
The ending was abrupt.
September 6, 2018
When I reached the end of the book, I considered that Sproul had not answered the question in the title at all. Nevertheless, still enjoyed, though sometimes initially confused, by his world-class philosophical expositions on the definition of “conscience”, the creation ordinances, the gray area between the absolutes of right and wrong, two extremes that a Christian conscience must avoid (legalism and antinomianism), and degrees of sins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
Sproul does an excellent job of exploring what it means to live God's way specifically in your heart and mind. Conscience is often a tricky subject to describe, Sproul gives a good definition as well as explaining how razor thin the line actually is between legalism and antinomianism. Several very memorable quotes.
As a part of his "Crucial Questions" series, this title is not particularly in-depth or technical on any one aspect of Christian conscience. If you want a thorough examination of the subject, this will wet your appetite, but not satisfy your hunger.
As a part of his "Crucial Questions" series, this title is not particularly in-depth or technical on any one aspect of Christian conscience. If you want a thorough examination of the subject, this will wet your appetite, but not satisfy your hunger.
December 6, 2018
Disappointing at points
I think I care with different expectations because I thought the focus would be the Christian mind and how we can develop its conscience. Sprout focuses on more theological ideas and hardly at all on how an individual can work to grow a biblical conscience.
I think I care with different expectations because I thought the focus would be the Christian mind and how we can develop its conscience. Sprout focuses on more theological ideas and hardly at all on how an individual can work to grow a biblical conscience.
January 20, 2020
Sproul does not waste time with this one. He speaks about ethics and morals. A wonderful explanation of the difference between the two. The book goes on to also explain about liberty and antinomianism. There are different types of these two as well. Oh this is a welcome book to the Christian on Christian ethics not just in class but in life. Do not overlook this beautiful piece of work.
July 13, 2019
This is a brief, but helpful book on the conscience. Sproul wrote in a practical, engaging, and accessible style. This is not a deep-dive textual study, but more of a practical discussion of the concepts involved with the conscience. It is a good introduction to the subject.
September 30, 2019
Excelente libro
Excelente trabajo, en el cual el Dr. Sproul, nos ayuda a entender la necesidad de tener una mente de acuerdo a la Palabra de Dios, para poder enfrentar a este mundo caído.
Excelente trabajo, en el cual el Dr. Sproul, nos ayuda a entender la necesidad de tener una mente de acuerdo a la Palabra de Dios, para poder enfrentar a este mundo caído.
December 26, 2019
Nesse livreto o dr. Sproul trata do tema da consciência do cristão, abordando também quais os perigos de uma consciência voltada para filosofias e heresias humanas. Ensina como podemos cultivar uma consciência biblicamente correta e no contexto encontrado nas Escrituras.
April 4, 2020
I wish this book was longer. Some very excellent, sound teaching. It wasn’t what I was expecting. Didn’t talk as much about the aspect of weaker/stronger or causing others to stumble. A lot of good history and philosophical background.
April 10, 2020
Excelente libro, muy claro, muy edificannte
Una clara explicación de un tema a veces confuso cómo creyentes, el legalismo, la ley, el Espíritu, la conciencia, los niveles de recompensa.
Una clara explicación de un tema a veces confuso cómo creyentes, el legalismo, la ley, el Espíritu, la conciencia, los niveles de recompensa.
July 8, 2020
The content is mediocre, but useful in that it is aimed at contemporary rejections or distortions of the conscience. Unfortunately, this edition has terrible editing in that the editors placed pages 29-31 between page 24 and 25!
August 4, 2020
Excelente libro
Excelente libro...práctico. Hay que saberlo estudiar, para sacarle el máximo provecho al mismo. Lo recomiendo real y efectivamente para todo aquel que desee desarrollar una Conciencia Cristiana
Excelente libro...práctico. Hay que saberlo estudiar, para sacarle el máximo provecho al mismo. Lo recomiendo real y efectivamente para todo aquel que desee desarrollar una Conciencia Cristiana
August 6, 2020
EXCELENTE LIBRO
El Dr. RC Sproul fue un gran maestro de las Escrituras, doy gracias a Dios por permitirme tener acceso a sus libros y poder edificar mi vida para servir a Dios y ser de bendición para otros, primeramente a mi familia y luego a la iglesia.
El Dr. RC Sproul fue un gran maestro de las Escrituras, doy gracias a Dios por permitirme tener acceso a sus libros y poder edificar mi vida para servir a Dios y ser de bendición para otros, primeramente a mi familia y luego a la iglesia.
January 16, 2021
Sencillo pero con excelentes ideas
Es un pequeño libro y sencillo pero con grandes y profundas ideas de este tema. He leído varías obras del autor y me esperaba un poco más de contenido práctico y aterrizar más sobre el.
Es un pequeño libro y sencillo pero con grandes y profundas ideas de este tema. He leído varías obras del autor y me esperaba un poco más de contenido práctico y aterrizar más sobre el.
January 19, 2021
Excelent
Even a mature Christian would benefit by reading this book. When I read a book that reminds me or refresh my memory about things that I have already learn years ago, it refreshes my soul.
Even a mature Christian would benefit by reading this book. When I read a book that reminds me or refresh my memory about things that I have already learn years ago, it refreshes my soul.
April 7, 2021
Disfrute escuchar la lectura.
Muy buen libro del dr. Sproul, a pesar de que estoy aprendiendo inglés. La buena modulación del hermano hizo que pudiera aprender con facilidad. El contenido además es inigualable, el conocimiento de la verdad nos hace libre.
Muy buen libro del dr. Sproul, a pesar de que estoy aprendiendo inglés. La buena modulación del hermano hizo que pudiera aprender con facilidad. El contenido además es inigualable, el conocimiento de la verdad nos hace libre.
July 6, 2021
Thoughtful
As a beginner in trying to understand Christianity and my place in the church, this book asked many questions and provided many answers. I cannot honestly say that I understood all the concepts, but it has given me a reason to examine myself and my path forward.
As a beginner in trying to understand Christianity and my place in the church, this book asked many questions and provided many answers. I cannot honestly say that I understood all the concepts, but it has given me a reason to examine myself and my path forward.
January 3, 2023
第一章：关于良心的问题。
良心其实会摇摆和发展的，这些改变可以积极也可以消极。
关于良心的相对主义和进化论是建立在这一个原则上：良心是对社会强加于它的禁忌的一种主观反应。违背良心的行为是罪，但是有时候按照良心的行为也是罪，因为我们的良心被误导了，这个时候就要寻找误导的原因。
对于基督徒，良心不是生活的终极权威，我们蒙召要以基督的心为心，知道什么是善，使我们的思维和心灵被神的真理训练，以便压力时刻来临时，我们可以在正直中站立得稳。
第二章：创造的条例
第三章：剃刀边缘
第四章：律法主义的扭曲
第五章：反律主义的歪曲
第六章：罪的程度
良心其实会摇摆和发展的，这些改变可以积极也可以消极。
关于良心的相对主义和进化论是建立在这一个原则上：良心是对社会强加于它的禁忌的一种主观反应。违背良心的行为是罪，但是有时候按照良心的行为也是罪，因为我们的良心被误导了，这个时候就要寻找误导的原因。
对于基督徒，良心不是生活的终极权威，我们蒙召要以基督的心为心，知道什么是善，使我们的思维和心灵被神的真理训练，以便压力时刻来临时，我们可以在正直中站立得稳。
第二章：创造的条例
第三章：剃刀边缘
第四章：律法主义的扭曲
第五章：反律主义的歪曲
第六章：罪的程度
March 23, 2024
A Roadmap
The conscience functions as a roadmap to our inner world which embodies our life’s principles. The author scripturally lays out the importance of having our conscience govern our lives
The conscience functions as a roadmap to our inner world which embodies our life’s principles. The author scripturally lays out the importance of having our conscience govern our lives
January 7, 2018
A really good summary. Sproul explains what we mean by a Christian conscience, how we work with it and also how it connects with our reading of Scripture. Simple. Clear. Enjoyable.
January 30, 2018
Brief Exposè on Christian conscience
Another good manuscript of Dr. R C Sproul. It's a great read for every Christian who seeks to develop a mind grounded in biblical ethics.
Another good manuscript of Dr. R C Sproul. It's a great read for every Christian who seeks to develop a mind grounded in biblical ethics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews