Biblical Law & Ethics (Class 08) FINAL

FINAL EXAM LINK: https://testmoz.com/q/14533178

TWO ADDITIONAL ARTICLES TO ACCOMPANY CLASS:

Addicted to Entertainment: https://cleartruthmedia.com/articles/addicted-to-entertainment-glorifying-god-in-an-age-of-endless-amusement

Moral Majority or Moral Authority: https://cleartruthmedia.com/articles/moral-majority-or-moral-authority-applying-biblical-ethics-in-the-public

Class Notes:

Class 08: The Church’s Role in Ethical Teaching

Tonight’s Focus: Applied Ethics

• How does the church apply biblical ethics practically?
• What does it mean for the church to be a moral authority?

Case Study: The Moral Majority

• Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979
• Mobilized Christians around pro-life, pro-family, school prayer, and anti-secularism causes
• Legacy lives on through the Religious Right
• Key groups today:
  • Christian Coalition of America 
  • Family Research Council
  • Alliance Defending Freedom

Can We Legislate Morality?

• All laws reflect moral values
• The question is not if we legislate morality, but whose morality
• Government should uphold justice but not compel religious worship

The Church as Moral Authority

• Upholds God’s truth in the spheres of family and government
• Must practice integrity, discipline, and biblical fidelity
• Illustration: Jesus cleansing the temple shows God expects purity from His representatives

Discipline and Accountability

• Church must confront sin in members and leaders
• Lack of accountability undermines moral credibility
• Hypocrisy is a primary critique from outsiders

Ethical Dilemmas and Eldership

• Many real-life ethical issues aren’t black-and-white
• Elders are responsible to lead with wisdom and Scripture
• Qualified, plural leadership helps ensure accountability and discernment

Conclusion

• Ethics must be lived, not just studied
• The church must model moral clarity before it can effectively speak to the culture
• Revival begins in the pulpit, not in politics—faithfulness in the church fuels transformation in the world