A masterful application of Scripture to life
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of
Wisdom, Third Edition
Authors: Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan
Publisher: IVP Academic (www.ivpress.com)
Pages: 667
Bob Dylan sang, “Someday, everything is gonna be
diff’rent/When I paint my masterpiece.” “Masterpiece” is what comes to mind
when I read the third edition of An
Introduction to Biblical Ethics by Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan.
As close as this comes to such an ideal, one could argue
that McQuilkin’s masterpiece is the care he gave to his late wife, Muriel,
after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This moving story of love and
sacrifice is told in A Promise Kept (1998).
This was what I knew of McQuilkin, before discovering in this volume, that he
is a scholar when it comes to discovering the ethics in Scriptures and how they
relate to the issues of life.
This 28-year-old textbook, now updated, was used in a
class taught by McQuilkin at Columbia International University, where he served
as President from 1968 to 1990. Paul Copan, a former student in the class, and
now an ethics professor, was eager to collaborate on revising a book that had
been so influential in his life.
How appropriate, given McQuilkin’s background, that the
opening section focuses on foundations such as love. The authors write in the
hope that their examination of the Scriptures and its relationship to modern
ethical dilemmas provokes right attitudes and affections, not merely outward
conformity to behavior patterns. Repeatedly, they succeed in getting to the
heart of the matter: “Love toward God will exhibit single-mindedness (“purity
of heart”), obedience and worship. On the human level, love toward others means
sacrificing for their well-being without the motivation of personal gain” (31).
I relish their simple descriptions of love: “The primary
characteristic of biblical love is commitment to act for the well-being of
another” (33). “Biblical love, then, is an affectionate disposition that
motivates the lover to consistently act for the welfare of another, whether or
not the other deserves it or reciprocates” (37).
Though this is a textbook it is far from being dry. The
authors occasionally personalize the material with quotations and anecdotes.
Though I highly recommend this for any Bible college or minister’s library,
anyone wanting to lead a richer Christian life will benefit from reading this
work. It contains a wealth of wisdom that is highly accessible.
Most of the time the authors are in agreement, but when
they differ, the book offers both of their perspectives. A person might agree with
McQuilkin’s complementarian view of marriage, and then have second thoughts
after reading Copan’s egalitarian perspective. Regardless of where one stands,
or who seems right, it’s helpful to have summaries of contrasting positions.
This book provides the heart of a biblical perspective on
a vast array of subjects. It’s what makes this such a marvelous resource. Gay
marriage, transgender issues, dating, abortion, suicide, medical ethics, war
and peace, and just about any topic you can think of are covered here. This new
edition updates the subjects, making them relevant for our day. Each chapter
ends with suggestions for further reading.
The Ten Commandments provide the outline and basic
framework for analysis. They are taken in order and each topic is examined and finds
its place under the appropriate command. It’s a marvelous exposition from
beginning to end.
What a far cry from my experience with the textbooks of
my youth! Of course, much of the problem was an unconverted soul with no heart
for learning. Even so, textbooks that leave out God are limited. Having
Scripture as the source material, this volume comes alive with the breath of
God. This takes God and His word as the starting point. It is true delight for
the follower of Christ who rejoices in God’s commands.
Even if one may disagree on some points, it’s wonderful
to be immersed in such holy perspectives. Our wrestling with complicated issues
may help us to not only get closer to the truth but closer to the heart of God.
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