STUDY GUIDE FOR READING ASSIGNMENT 1

Robert Mackintosh, Christian Ethics Chapters 1-5

NOTE: While this book has many useful teachings, in some chapters the author shows a more liberal, or modernistic, view of Scripture. Some of the questions are aimed at helping the student identify those views which are not in accord with the more traditional conservative views of Third Millennium Ministries.

Review questions:

Chapter 1

1. Does the author think that in the New Testament, either Christ or Paul developed a formal ethical system?

2. The author explains that Christian ethics has been a separate branch of study since when?

3. What is the purpose of the study of Christian ethics, according to the author?

Chapter 2

1. According to Dr. Newman Smyth, the first postulate of Christian ethics is the ethical idea of ______.

2. The author agrees that sin should not be considered simply a "defect," but rather ________.

3. Does the author agree that "all sins weigh equally heavy in the scales of justice"?

4. Does the author agree that man would not be responsible if he were not also free?

5. Does the author say that the general teaching of the Christian Church has been that moral perfection can be obtained in this life?

Chapter 3

1. Describe each of the following philosophical ethical theories. a. hedonism b. utilitarianism c. Intuitionalism

2. What are the two key concepts in philosophical ethics, the "rival watchwords"?

Chapter 4

1. Where in the Bible do we find a summary of Old Testament ethics?

2. The central Old Testament ethic flows through the _______.

3. Which ethical aspect of the Old Testament especially points to salvation in Christ?

4. Which writings of the Old Testament point especially to individual righteousness?

Chapter 5

1. What is the author's view of why some ethical teachings of the Old Testament seem "imperfect"?

2. Describe the characteristics of the Pharisees.

3. Why did Christ criticize the Pharisees?

4. How did Paul differ from the Pharisees?