Biblical Law & Ethics (Class 04)

HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE MIDTERM QUIZ: https://testmoz.com/q/14465508

This week’s lesson has an article to read to go along with the lecture. Here is the link: https://cleartruthmedia.com/articles/a-warrior-is-a-blessing-to-his-people–an-argument-against-christian-pacifism

Class Notes:

Biblical Law & Ethics – Class 04

Contemporary Ethical Issues: Life & Death

1. The Sanctity of Life

A. Abortion

• Abortion = the intentional termination of a pregnancy.
• Pro-Choice: Emphasizes bodily autonomy and rights of the woman.
• Pro-Life: Emphasizes the personhood and right to life of the unborn.
• Abolitionists: Call for total criminalization of abortion as murder.
• Scripture affirms life in the womb:
  • Exodus 21:22–25, Psalm 139:13–16, Luke 1:39–44
  • Life begins at conception (scientific & biblical view).

B. Euthanasia

• “Good death” — ending a life to avoid suffering.
• Often justified by comparison to ending animal suffering.
• Christianity affirms:
  • Life is a gift from God.
  • God alone determines life’s beginning and end.
  • Suffering can lead to maturity (James 1:2–4).
• Important distinction: Active killing vs. Withholding treatment.

C. Suicide

• Defined as “murder of oneself.”
• Raises pastoral and theological questions:
  • Can a believer go to heaven after suicide?
  • Is self-sacrifice (e.g. falling on grenade) considered suicide?

D. Capital Punishment

• Lawful execution for crimes (e.g., murder, adultery, etc.).
• Endorsed in both Old & New Testaments (Gen 9:6; Rom 13:1–5).
• Not always enforced—examples of mercy (David, John 8).
• Biblically permitted but not always required.

2. Protection of Life

A. Pacifism

• Rejects war and violence.
• Two types:
  1. Non-violent: Morally rejects violence.
  2. Non-participatory: Avoids even indirect support of war.
• Common Scriptures: Matt. 5:38–39; Rom. 12:17–21
• Challenge: Does love for neighbor ever call for protective violence?

B. Just War Theory

• Defense of others can be a moral duty.
• Not retaliation, but protection (Romans 13:1–5).
• Three spheres of God-given authority:
  1. Family – Father protects
  2. Church – Elders guard the flock
  3. State – Government protects society
• Use of force is not a “lesser evil,” but morally right in proper context.

Conclusion

• Life and death issues are complex, but Scripture provides moral clarity.
• Our aim must always be to uphold the sanctity of life and justice.