The term "Christian Ethics" may not mean much to you, but if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, or even someone who just strives to live according Judeo-Christian principles, then it is a term that applies to you. This is because the life of faith is not defined solely by what we believe, but also how our beliefs shape our actions.

This episode's conversation concerns the specific ways we conduct our lives - our thoughts, words, and actions - based on the specific things we believe about God and what he has, through the holy Scriptures, commanded of his followers. Christian ethics is how we interpret and respond to the commands of God. But as most modern-day disciples of Jesus will admit, it is not always perfectly clear how to think about a particular issue, or how to act in accordance with a particular law or godly principle. The whole "just do what the Bible says" approach to obedience can be much easier said than done.

On this episode of As You Go, Bo Bowen sits down with someone who makes his living teaching both the theories and implementation of Christian Ethics. Dr. Myles Werntz is a professor at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene Texas, where he holds the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Logsdon Seminary. So, you know, he's kind of a modern-day expert in all this stuff. Myles helps Bo understand just how wide and far-reaching is the field of Christians Ethics, as well as some specific considerations that go into developing a more focused ethic for holy living.

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Here are some of the links related to this episode's conversation:

Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics by Samuel Wells https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587430711/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Dr. Werntz considers this a wonderful primer on the field of Christian Ethics, which will help newcomers better understand what goes into the uniting theological beliefs with effective action.

"The Revelatory Election for U.S. Churches" by Dr. Myles Werntz
https://www.baptiststandard.com/opinion/voices/voices-the-revelatory-election-for-u-s-churches/#.V_7mN6SxqeQ.facebook
Dr. Werntz's article from 2016, post-election, and what churches can learn from a dramatic and divisive election season.

"Capital Punishment in Christological Perspective" by Myles Werntz
https://inallthings.org/capital-punishment-in-christological-perspective/
Dr. Werntz examines the hot-button issue of capital punishment by considering how the cross of Jesus Christ transforms our thinking on punishment and death.

Myles also has some great books out there:
https://www.amazon.com/Bodies-Peace-Ecclesiology-Nonviolence-Witness/dp/1451480423/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508963347&sr=1-1&keywords=Myles+Werntz
Bodies of Peace: Ecclesiology, Non-Violence, and Witness examines the integral role of non-violence in the life of faith and the mission of the Church.
https://www.amazon.com/Corners-City-God-Theology-Philosophy/dp/1608998517/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508963347&sr=1-3&keywords=Myles+Werntz
"You come at the king, you best not miss." Myles and his colleague Jonathan Tran also wrote a wonderful book examining the theological and philosophical narratives woven into the critically-acclaimed HBO drama series, The Wire.

Yes, The Wire.