Ethics
Ethics concerns what is right and wrong and how we decide. Christian ethics draws on the teachings of the church and 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 doing Christian ethics. As we consider contemporary issues, which in their particular aspects could not have been contemplated by the authors of the Bible, we need apply Christian scripture in the light of church doctrines and the commandment to love God and our neighbors.
Ecology concerns the life of the earth. It poses ethical issues of paramount importance, because the human species depends on the earth for life and yet is rapidly degrading the capacity of the earth to support life.
Human rights are not only international law but a matter of faith. Thus, ethical issues concerning rights require a concern for the law as well as an understanding of the biblical imperatives of Christian faith.
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.
There is much controversy in the church today concerning sex before marriage and homosexuality. The latter issue bitterly divides many Protestant denominations in the United States including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
In response to attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, the United States has declared war on terrorism and is organizing a coalition of nations to support attacks on countries that harbor terrorists. How are Christians to respond?
Non-Adversarial Conflict Resolution
Adversarial (assertive) strategies are the norm in the West. But this approach to conflict is a win-lose. Our biblical heritage suggests a non-adversarial approach.
