Introduction/ Ch:1 Ethics CLASS Notes

What is the discipline that the tree represents?

The discipline of philosophy.

What are the four branches of philosophy?

Ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics.

What branch does this book focus on?

Ethics.

What ought the tree to be rooted in?

The word of God.

What does the sun represent in this context?

God's glory in worship.

What are three key elements in the works of ethics?

Acts (principle), Agents (people), Ends (ultimate goal).

Defining Ethics

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies how humans ought to live.

What does Christian Ethics seek to determine?

How man ought to live in particular circumstances through studying God’s word.

What are Creational Norms?

The design of God’s created order translated into divine laws.

What do ethical systems reflect?

A worldview; they arise from worldview commitments.

What are the key ingredients of a worldview?

Metanarrative, beliefs and values, personal group behavior.

What are the 5 recurring biblical worldview themes?

Authority, Creational Order, Man’s chief end, Virtue, Wisdom.

What is the foundation of ethics in biblical terms?

God, as the creator and the one who defines holiness, love, goodness, righteousness, and trustworthiness.

What does Holiness mean in God?

God is completely set apart, pure, and perfect.

What is the definition of God's Love?

God's eternal, self-giving nature not based on what we do.

What does God's Goodness mean?

Everything God does is right, kind, and beneficial.

What is God's Righteousness?

God's perfect justice and adherence to His holy Law.

What does it mean that God is Trustworthy?

God is faithful and reliable, keeping His promises.

What are Creational Norms?

God-given patterns, laws, and purposes woven into creation.

How do we discover creational norms?

Through Creation, Scripture, and Conscience.

What is the fear of the Lord in Ethics?

It is foundational for correct reasoning about ethics.

What does illumination refer to in the context of the fear of the Lord?

Seeing God’s design clearly rather than suppressing it.

What is meant by Direction in terms of the fear of the Lord?

Aligning our hearts with God’s order.

What is Correction in the context of the fear of the Lord?

Restoration of right vision through God's Word.

How does Transformation relate to ethics and worship?

Obedience flows from reverence, making ethics a form of worship.

Philosophy (represented by the tree)

The discipline of philosophy.

Four Branches of Philosophy

Ethics, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Aesthetics.

Branch of focus for this book

Ethics.

Root of the tree (for Christian ethics)

The Word of God.

Symbolism of the Sun/Stained Glass Outline

God: points to God's glory in worship.

Three Key Elements in the Work of Ethics and their application

Acts (principle), Agents (people), Ends (ultimate goal). These must be applied to situations.

Ethics

The branch of philosophy that studies how men ought to live; concerns itself with determining what is right and what is wrong.

Christian Ethics

Seeks to determine how man ought to live in particular circumstances through studying God's word, discerning God's creational norms.

Creational Norms (Definition)

The design of God's created order (the way things ought to be) translated into divine laws that govern the way human individuals and cultures ought to operate.

Key Elements in a Christian Ethical System

Acts (conform to God's Word), Agents (individuals with virtues and motives), Ends.

Three Key Relationships in Ethics

Worldview, Philosophy, World Religions.

Ethical systems reflect…

A worldview; ethical systems come out from and reflect worldview commitments.

Three Key Ingredients of a Worldview

Metanarrative, Beliefs and values, Personal group behavior.

Metanarrative

An overarching account or interpretation of events and circumstances that provides a pattern or structure for people's beliefs and gives meaning to their experiences.

Five Recurring Biblical Worldview Themes

1. Authority (One God Creator), 2. Creational Order (Moral norms from God), 3. Man's chief end (Glorify and enjoy God), 4. Virtue (Do right, become right kind), 5. Wisdom (Discerning and living by creational norms).

Metaphysics (Philosophy branch)

Relates to reality.

Epistemology (Philosophy branch)

Relates to the truth, studies the nature of knowledge.

Aesthetics (Philosophy branch)

Relates to beauty, the systematic study of what is morally right and wrong, good or bad, in behavior and decision making.

Christian view of Reality

God is the eternal source, universe is ordered and purposeful.

Christian view of Knowledge

Truth is objective and grounded in God's nature; Reasons, senses, and revelation work together.

What philosophy uses to answer questions about life and living

Human reason.

Three things secular philosophy struggles to explain apart from God's revelation

Truth, Reality, Morality.

How ethics relates to philosophy

Each philosophical tradition has its own version of an ethical system.

How world religions affect ethics

The teachings and practices of religions influence ethical behavior in ethical society.

Role of Scripture in forming Christian ethics

Scripture informs religious practices.

Personal Benefits to studying Ethics

Expanding your knowledge, Growing Spiritually, Improving Your Testimony.

What Christians must pursue for personal growth

Spiritual Growth, Growth in Spiritual Works, and knowledge adding virtues to their faith.

How personal spiritual growth relates to ethics

It relates to ethical decision making in everyday life and responding rightly to future ethical issues.

Why developing ethical character as a testimony is important

Poor ethical character undermines Christian witness; stellar ethical character allows for greater witness.

Five keys to studying Bible ethics (Chapter 1)

Prayer, Humility, Reason, Effort, Praise.

Prayer in studying ethics

Seeking God’s Guidance; admitting dependence on God; begins every study.

Humility in studying ethics

Submitting to God’s authority; makes us teachable; lets God’s Word correct us.

Reason in studying ethics

Using God-given minds; loving God with our whole being; requires careful thought (comparing scripture, understanding context, applying principles).

Effort in studying ethics

Diligent Study and Obedience; true study requires work and perseverance; ethics is not just knowing, but doing.

Praise in studying ethics

Glorifying God through study and living; ultimate goal of Bible ethics; response to truth should be worship and thanksgiving.

Foundation of Ethics (Ch. 1)

God's attributes.

'Love is Love' (Christian perspective)

No! Love isn't abstract or unknowable; it has a source, just like every other virtue.

Attribute of God

The distinct characteristics that define the nature of God.

Who defines holiness, love, goodness, righteousness, and trustworthiness?

God, because He is the creator and Perfect Practitioner.

Holiness of God (Definition)

God is completely set apart, pure, and perfect; separate from all sin and entirely devoted to His own glory. Demands His people live holy lives.

Love of God (Definition)

His eternal, self-giving nature, not based on what we do, but flows from who He is. It is sacrificial, unconditional, and personal; compels us to love Him and others.

Goodness of God (Definition)

Everything He does is right, kind, and beneficial. His very nature is benevolent. Assures us of His kindness even in trials; invites trust.

Righteousness of God (Definition)

God always acts in perfect justice, uprightness, and in accordance with His holy Law. He cannot sin or do wrong. Guarantees He will always do what is fair and just.

Trustworthiness of God (Definition)

God is faithful and reliable. He always keeps His promises and can never fail His people. Allows us to rest faith on His Word and promises.

Creational Norms (8/21/25 Definition)

The God-given patterns, laws, and purposes woven into creation from the very beginning.

Examples of Creational Norms in Genesis 1-2

Order and goodness, Work and Rest, Marriage and Family, Stewardship of Creation, Moral Boundaries (God defines good and evil).

Why Creational Norms Matter

Reveal God's design for human flourishing, provide stability (ethics based on God's unchanging order), show morality is not arbitrary but creational. Romans 1:20-21 teaches God's truth is revealed in creation but suppressed by sinners.

How to Discover Creational Norms

Through Creation (observing world structure), Through Scripture (God's Word interprets creation, guards against distortion), Through Conscience (God's law written on the heart).

The Fear of the Lord in Ethics

Without it, human reasoning about ethics becomes distorted (Proverbs 1:7).

Difference the Fear of the Lord Makes

Illumination (we see God's design clearly), Direction (hearts align with God's order), Correction (God's Word restores vision when sin distorts), Transformation (ethics becomes worship, obedience flows from reverence).

Problem of Ethics without the Spirit

Human wisdom is limited (Proverbs 14:12); weakness of the flesh (Romans 7:18), even knowing good, people lack consistent power to do it.

Spirit as the Source of Christian Ethics

Gives new life (John 3:6 - true ethics begins with transformed heart); Writes God's law within (Ezekiel 36:26-27 - not just external rules, but God's Spirit working inside); Produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23 - cultivating Christlike character).

Spirit's Role in Guiding Decisions

Illumination of God's Word (John 16:13 - helps us rightly apply scripture); Conviction of sin and righteousness (John 16:8 - tenderizes conscience to God's standards); Empowerment to obey (Romans 8:13-14 - grace with strength).

Differences the Spirit Makes (Motivation)

Fleshly: fear of punishment, desire for reputation. Spiritual: love for God (2 Cor. 5:14).

Differences the Spirit Makes (Standard)

Worldly ethics: 'What is acceptable?'. Spirit-led ethics: 'What pleases the Lord?'.

Differences the Spirit Makes (Results)

Works of the flesh: conflict, corruption, pride. Fruit of the Spirit: harmony, holiness, humility.

Image of God in Creation (Genesis 1:26-27)

Humanity is uniquely created in God's image, meaning we reflect God in Rationality, Relationality, Morality, and Rule.

Image of God in Ethics

Biblical ethics is about reflecting God's character because humans bear His image. Ethics flows from identity.

Scriptural Examples of Image of God in Ethics

Murder is wrong (Genesis 9:6) because humans reflect God's image; Love for Neighbor (James 3:9) because our speech must honor God's likeness; Christ's redemption restores the image (Colossians 3:10).

Image of God and Creational Norms (Relationship)

Creational Norms + God's design principles put into creation. The Image of God is the key norm that grounds Human dignity, Marriage and family, Work and stewardship, Harmony and Peace.

Implications of the Image of God

Sanctity of Life, Equality, Speech and Conduct, Mission.