Lesson 2 ~ Christian Ethics ~ Churches, Bible and New Testament ~ Essay

Lesson 2 ~ Churches, Bible and New Testament ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

Define "Christian Ethics" as used by the author in Lesson I.

My understanding of Christian ethics encompasses self-morality, the Bible, the New Testament and the ethical insights of Jesus.  I believe your ethics is something that is instilled within your bringing up.  It may remain the same throughout your life, however, when you become an adult and start making decisions about your own life your ethics may change.  The ability to reason and change your thought patterns is the best gift from Him and it does separate us from other primates. 

 

Define "Agape love."

Agape love is the selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications, according to the online free dictionary.  This would definitely describe the love Jesus had for all peoples during his short time on earth and spread throughout the lands he preached on.  His agape love as we have been taught is everlasting. 

 

Define "Christendom." (per online Wikepedia)

Christendom - the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia); "for a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom"

Christianity body - a group of persons associated by some common tie or occupation and regarded as an entity; "the whole body filed out of the auditorium"; "the student body"; "administrative body"

Christian church, church - one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

church - the body of people who attend or belong to a particular local church; "our church is hosting a picnic next week"

 

Why is the Church called to be the "conscience of the State?"

"Conscience of the State", I believe this refers to the bringing of morality into the community by way of the church.  I believe the church has the obligation to guide and direct persons and holding them to their moral ethics.

 

The Bible is the fountainhead of Christian theology.

Should we look to the Old Testament for our ethical foundations? Yes, but with discernment.   Explain:  I believe the Old Testament sets the parameters concerning morality.  This we cannot do away with.  Remembering the Old Testament was Jesus' Bible which he used and referred to in his teachings.

 

Why do most Christians find the New Testament more authoritative for their faith and living?  The New Testament records the historical revelation of God in Christ.  But we need both the old and new testaments for comparison and use in everyday life. 

 

T/F? It is agreed that in the case of an Old Testament passage, one must examine and expound it in relation to the revelation of God to Israel both before and after its own period. Then the interpreter should turn to the New Testament in order to view the passage in that perspective.  This is a true statement the relevance should be checked and verified in both cases.

T/F? It is agreed that in the case of a New Testament passage one should examine it in the light of its setting and context; then turn to the Old Testament to discover its background in God's former revelation. Returning again to the New Testament one is able to see and expound the passage in the light of the whole scope of Heilsgeschichte.  It is agreed that in the case of a New Testament passage one should examine it in the light of its setting and context; then turn to the Old Testament to discover its background in God's former revelation. Returning again to the New Testament one is able to see and expound the passage in the light of the whole scope of Heilsgeschichte.

As defined in Lesson II, what is "Christian Ethics?"  ? It is the systematic study of the way of life set forth by Jesus Christ, applied to the daily demands and decisions of our personal and social existence.

Go In Peace