Thoughts on ethics, society, politics, religion, philosophy, theology, and everything in between
A year ago, I made the case for Christian pacifism. Here, I revisit this topic, responding to some of the most common theological objections made against Christian pacifism. Old Testament Violence The Objection: In the Old Testament, God not only allowed His people to use violence, but He actually commanded them to use violence on … Read more
Most modern Western people tend to think of ethics in a very individualistic manner. They consider the primary ethical question to be, “What should I do?” The same can be said of most modern Western Christians. They consider the primary ethical question to be, “What does God want me to do?” The Church may be … Read more
For many Christians, the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ is that Jesus suffered, so we do not have to suffer. Jesus died, so we do not have to worry about dying. Jesus paid the penalty of our sins, so we do not have to worry about repenting from sin and making painful sacrifices … Read more
A year ago, I made the case for the importance of theological ethics. If Christians want to live faithfully, we cannot uncritically absorb the ethical ideas of our surrounding culture. Nor can we rely on our intuitions and feelings, since these often lead us astray. Nor can we simply look in the Bible for proof … Read more
In the first two parts of this series, I responded to some of the common objections made against Christian ethics by modern Western non-Christians. In the third part, I responded to objections against the Divine Command Theory of ethics made by philosopher Michael Martin in his book, Atheism, Morality, and Meaning.[1]Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, … Read more
In the first two parts of this series, I responded to some of the common objections made against Christian ethics by modern Western non-Christians. These next two parts of this series will be more focused, responding to an extended attack on the coherence and reasonableness of Christian ethics made by philosopher Michael Martin in his … Read more
In this second part of this series, I will continue to respond to some objections modern Western non-Christians commonly make against Christian ethics. Wastes Resources The Objection: Christianity causes people to waste resources. Christians waste time, energy, and money on Christian buildings, Christian religious rituals, Christian writings, Christian theological teaching, and Christian evangelism. In a … Read more
In this apologetics series, I will respond to some of the common objections made against Christian ethics by modern Western non-Christians. Distracts from Improving Earthly Life The Objection: Christianity is actually a hindrance to ethical action. It makes people “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” It makes people focus on a “pie … Read more
Violence, Force, and Coercion Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him on the way of the cross. He calls them to love as He loves, to love their enemies even if it means they must suffer and die as He did. This means that violence is always incompatible with the demands of Christian discipleship. Many … Read more
Most American Christians assume it goes without saying that it is acceptable for Christians to vote in state and federal elections. Most American Christians would even go farther and say that Christians have a responsibility to vote in state and federal elections. American Christians spend a lot of time discussing how they should vote (usually … Read more