The Use of the Scriptures in Ethics and Morals

This article considers how the Word of God is to be used in ethics. It highlights the difficulties that exist in this endeavour, and then proceeds into a discussion on hermeneutics. It provides and analyzes a definition of ethics by Klaas Schilder. From there it considers a number of wrong uses of Scripture, such as biblicism. At its conclusion this chapter calls for maturity and discernment in how the Scriptures are to be used in our ethical reflection.

The Ten Commandments and Ethics

The Ten Commandments occupy a special place in Scripture, and so it is little surprise that they gradually formed an integral part of the instruction in the church, also in its ethics. This article considers their special place, and how some have challenged their key position in the church. The author clarifies that the law is not a way of salvation, but instead a norm for life.

The Conscience in Ethics

This article considers the place of the conscience in ethics. It evaluates a medieval distinction between synteresis (the light of nature) and conscientia (conscience). It also considers a more modern, philosophical view of the conscience, which in turn it rejects. It explains that even a good conscience does not justify us before God. Nevertheless, God can and does make claims on the conscience.

A Definition of Ethics and Morals

This article provides a definition of Christian ethics: "Ethics is the reflection on the responsible activity of man towards God and his neighbour." The author unpacks this definition in the remainder of the article, considering questions like: Which actions are objects of study in ethics? Shouldn't nature or the individual himself be included in the definition as objects of one's responsible activity? Aren't ethics just concerned with our relationship to our neighbour?