Many of the letters written to the early church are split into two parts: the theology and then how that theology looks like in real life. Christian ethics seeks to answer the question, “What does all of the Bible say about how to engage ____ in real life?” With us this week is world-renowned theologian Wayne Grudem who’s just written a brand new book that gives an introduction (quite a large one) to biblical moral reasoning. Many of us have instinctual feelings that some things are wrong and some are right, but Wayne helps clarify why those things are right or wrong. In our conversation, he talks about his new book, lying/telling the truth, marijuana, and more.

 

Who is Our Guest?

Wayne Grudem is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary and author of Systematic Theology. He co-founded the Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood and served as the general editor of the ESV Study Bible.

Episode Links

Make sure to check out Wayne’s new book, Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning.

 

 

Also, you’ll want to take a look at Wayne’s blog.

 

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Isaac:

With me today is author and professor Wayne Grudem. Wayne is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary and author of the popular theology textbook, Systematic Theology. He co-founded the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and he also served as the general editor of the ESV Study Bible. It’s a great privilege to have you on the show with us today, Wayne.

Wayne:

Thank you, Isaac.

Isaac:

Firstly, just so people can hear a little bit more about who you are personally, could you just give us a brief testimony of how you were saved?

Wayne:

I used to say that I’d first trusted in Christ when I prayed with my mother to receive Christ as my Saviour when I was 12 years old, living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Later, as I began to look back on my earlier childhood, I realized that I used to pray often, I loved to read the Bible, I loved to sing hymns; there were many things in my life as a lower elementary school child, I’m talking first grade, second grade, third grade, that would indicate to me that I probably was born again at a very early age. I don’t remember a time ever when I didn’t believe in God and believed in Jesus.

I’m thankful for that, and that’s been 70 years now.

Isaac:

Wow, that’s amazing. Love to hear that. Now Wayne, with our short period of time, I’m going to jump right to the point of our conversation. Your recent book, Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning, it’s releasing very soon, excited about it. And really the first thing I want to ask you is this: What exactly are you talking about when you refer to “Christian ethics”?

Wayne:

Well I define Christian ethics as any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us about which acts, attitudes, and personal character traits receive God’s approval, and which do not?” So, the question that I’m trying to answer in various parts of the book is, “How does God want us to act, and think,