Parish of St Britius, Brize Norton & St John 
the Evangelist, Carterton

The Communities of Brize Norton and Carterton

Readings and Sermons

• themes for June & July 2003

You are here: Community > New Parish > Themes > The Christian at Home

The Christian in Ethical Discussion

The following is based on Andrew Tweedy's sermon on Sunday, 27 July 2003

The Problem

What does the Bible say about Cloning, or IVF treatment, or Embryo research, or Nuclear Weapons, or GM Crops? We would look in vain for a Bible verse which says “Thou shalt not clone thy sheep or thine ass or thy daughter.” Or “He that droppeth depleted uranium tipped weapons on his enemy shall be cursed by the Lord.”  Is this ancient book of any relevance in matters its writers could not have conceived of ?  How can we develop a Christian perspective in ethical matters. 

The Consumerist Ethic

Andrew argues that, at least in countries like Britain and America, a consumerist ethic is in the driving seat - and that this should be challenged by a Christian perspective which takes the whole Bible seriously.  He illustrates this by reference to the relaxation of Sunday trading laws and the economic pressure for opening shops longer and the impact on shop staff who have less time with their families and on small shop keepers who are forced out of business.  This same “consumerist” ethic is routinely applied to medical and agricultural and military ethical decisions - even though the issues may be harder to unpack.

The Epistle reading (1 Corinthians 8) reminds us that our ethical choices always affect others and cannot be made in isolation.  We can’t simply argue that research scientists - or patients for that matter - should be allowed complete freedom. In exercising our ‘freedom’ we may be sinning against others and against Christ.  The Gospel reading (John 16.4b-15)  shows how Jesus did not teach his disciples everything they needed to know to live a life pleasing to God. He would send the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth and to convict the world of sin.  Note that the Holy Spirit is always consistent with Jesus and the Father - his teaching does not contradict Jesus and the Father, but glorifies them.

A Christian Ethical Framework

This leads us towards a Christian Ethical framework which takes the whole Biblical view of history seriously. Christian Ethicists sometimes break this down into four “epochs” or stages in Biblical history, each of which gives a different perspective.

Creation

The world is not an accident, it is God’s creation, with variety, interdependence, order. With humanity, in the image of God, its crowning glory.  We are to be stewards and servants, not exploiting or abusing, but recognising the dignity in every creature of God. Even lives which can’t yet protect and assert themselves - the baby, the embryo (?) - or which are no longer productive and independent - the alzheimer’s sufferer.

How do concepts like ‘designer babies’ and disposal of poor quality lives by euthanasia sit with the Biblical doctrine of Creation?

Fall

Because of the Fall, the human rebellion against God dating back to Eden, we cannot trust human ‘progress’, which may be in the wrong direction. The Fall also brought decay, death, bondage and futility - so we need to be realistic about our limitations in this life. Our bodies will be subject to decay and death, however rich and powerful we are.

Redemption

God has intervened in Christ to set us free from futility and decay and restore his original creation.  Jesus’s example and teaching show that suffering and even death can have meaning and purpose.  He teaches us to show compassion to the weak and poor.

Consummation

The resurrection of Jesus points us to a future transformation of our world and our own bodies. This firm hope makes sense of our present limitations.  It also frees us from clinging to this life and trying to perfect it at any cost - which is a consumerist mentality. The fact that a better life is to come allows us to hold lightly the toys and trinkets of this age.  Finally, we treat creation and human life in view of what they will be, not what they appear like now.

Conclusion

• Be aware of the consumerist ethic.

• Challenge it! Not by individual Bible verse “proof texts” but by a four-fold Biblical perspective.

• Understand how our ethical choices affect others.

• Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, as Jesus promised.