Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

“Ethics schmethics—
it’s all manmade!”
– Dr. Jack “Dr. Death” Kevorkian (1928-2011)

Dr. Kevorkian demonstrates his suicide device

Was the infamous doctor correct?

Or can ethics rest on something or someone transcendent?

In this Newsletter and next:

A Two-part look at ETHICS

The Meaning and Sources of Ethical Values—Part 1
By Donald Shoemaker

What is Ethics?

“Ethics” is the study of basic concepts and fundamental principles of human conduct. Simply put, it looks at right and wrong. The study of ethics can be examined from either values-neutral or values-driven perspectives.

Ethics can be studied as a social science endeavor. As a science, this approach cannot tell us what is right or wrong—only what people perceive to be right or wrong and why. It can explore issues such as what the social consequences might be to the extent an ethical position is exercised throughout a culture.

Ethics can also be studied as a quest to find out what actually is right and wrong. Reasoning is applied to issues and moral judgments drawn. Whether this can be done without some sort of higher reference point, an ultimate reality, is hotly debated. In my opinion, in the absence of a Creator God who gives us standards to live by, it’s “your word against mine.”

“Without God all things are permitted.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
“If there is no Creator, there is no design, and no purpose. All is random and ultimately meaningless, including right and wrong.” – Dennis Prager

Often in human experience right or wrong is decided by whoever has power. When this is done it is an example of an appeal to something transcendent—in this case the state or the dictator. “So far as right and wrong are concerned, there is no difference between the two. The strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept” (quote from History of the Peloponesian War in Prager, Exodus: God, Slavery & Freedom).

Likewise, relativistic ethics labors under an impossible burden. How can we speak values to the rest of the world when we don’t believe there are any absolutes valid the world over? How can we know it’s wrong for other cultures to subjugate and mutilate women in horrible ways?

Fortunately, many who strive for good in the world don’t follow through with the logical implications of their limited value systems.

What Makes Ethics “Christian”?

To be “Christian,” ethics must start with the confession, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” It must also affirm the ultimate authority of Holy Scripture.

Christian Ethics can benefit from the social sciences and moral theorists but its ultimate source and standard are much different and much higher:
A Creator God who, by being God alone (monotheism) and God of all the earth and all creation, guides by means of several revelations.

1. “Creation Ordinances” (discussed below).
2. The Torah—The Five Books of Moses (both its lawful principles and its “case law,” which gives proper application of lawful principles to specific circumstances).
3. The Ten Commandments. These were given by God to his covenant people Israel and must be applied accordingly. Still, the Second Table of the Law (commandments 5-10) helps establish a just and healthy society anywhere.
4. The Noahic Commandments stated or implied from Genesis 9:1-17. Because God gave this instruction before he called out a people to be his covenant nation many see these laws as binding on all humanity: (1) the sacredness of human life; prohibition of murder and execution of the murderer, (2) implied: establishing a system of governance and justice, (3) be fruitful and multiply in number, (4) implied: sacredness of the marriage covenant and therefore prohibition of adultery, (5) permission to eat meat as well as plants, but not flesh torn from a living animal.
5. The Old Testament. This canon is “inspired of God and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). It must neither be laid aside nor adopted wholesale as a moral guide. It must be viewed through the “Jesus lens,” which is his life, teachings and atonement (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
6. The Life and Teachings of Jesus. See how Jesus’ suffering is exemplary for believers in 1 Peter 2:21-23. Ponder the Sermon on the Mount and much more. But do not claim that Jesus’ teachings alone are sufficient! Recently I heard of some who call for “red letter” ethics—seek what Jesus said and live by that. This reductionism wrongly limits our ethical guidance and ignores what Jesus himself taught about the authority of Scripture and apostolic teaching. In practice, it may not even expound fully what Jesus taught, such as on marriage.
7. The Moral Influence of the Bible. Various Biblical statements and stories have shaped cultures for the good (e.g., The “Golden Rule” and the story of “The Good Samaritan”).
8. The Narratives of both Testaments (Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Esther, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, Simon Peter, as examples).
9. The Transformational Power of the Bible. The Bible molds “the kind of person” God desires (loving, passionate for justice, merciful, kind, forgiving, etc.) as we grow into being responsible moral agents.
“Creation Ordinances” is a special source of ethical principles. Grounded in the creative acts of God, especially his creation of human beings, it is appropriately applied to all humanity, not just to God’s covenant people (Israel and the Church).

What moral teachings should we draw from the Creation accounts (found in the first two chapters of Genesis)?

• The Sabbath Principle (the weekly “rhythm”)
• God’s highest creation: humankind made in the Image of God
• Gender distinctions of “male” and “female”
• The covenant bond of marriage
• Propagation of the human race through marriage and family
• Stewardship (not ownership) of Creation

Next month: Part 2 – Natural Law; Distinction between Personal Ethics and Social Ethics;
Distinction between Biblical Ethics and Christian Ethics; Abortion: Applied Ethics

Religious Liberty Vigilance –
Church and State—Keep Them Separate!

“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”
– Thomas Jefferson (1802) Letter to Danbury Baptists

During the last presidential campaign a large group of pastors gathered around candidate Donald Trump and pronounced this prayer:
“President-to-be Donald Trump, we decree and declare from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet that the favor of the Lord will surround you like a shield, in Jesus’ name.”

Outrageous! But we expected this from Christian Fundamentalists, didn’t we? After all, they’re always trying to break down the “Wall of Separation” between Church and State. No wonder secular leftists are outraged!

But wait a minute! My error! This prayer wasn’t prayed over Donald Trump. These pastors prayed over candidate Hillary Clinton! Where was the outrage?

Seems like a different standard exists when left-wing politicians cozy up to religion. Which takes my thoughts to the tight race in Ohio’s 12th Congressional district. That district includes my hometown of Mansfield.

On Sunday, August 5, Democratic congressional candidate Danny O’Connor attended Oasis Church in Mansfield and mixed it up with members. Sometimes Democratic candidates are even lauded by ministers during worship services and can be found sitting on the platform or even sermonizing to the congregation.

The issues of what the “wall of separation” really means and how it can be violated need to be reasonably debated. Perhaps this “prayer of anointing” by the pastors and perhaps the candidate backslapping worshippers in Mansfield are not serious breaches in the wall after all.

But when a pastor lauds and supports a candidate from the pulpit—there the wall has been breached.

This point is most important: both “religion clauses” in the First Amendment (no establishment of religion; no prohibition of the free exercise of religion) were limitations placed on government, not on citizens or on religious bodies.

We need more bricks on the Wall to keep government out of the affairs of churches, religious organizations and believers as they practice their faith. That interference concerns me more than a prayer over a candidate or his visit to church. The latter may be unwise; the former is a serious threat.

Captain David Rosa
—A Senseless Death

Long Beach CA firefighters responded to an alarm shortly before 4:00 a.m. on June 25. While he was ascending stairs in the high-rise apartment complex, Captain Dave Rosa, 45, was shot and killed by a 77-year old resident (who ironically died later in a hospital jail ward). Captain Rosa, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach CA fire department, left a wife and two sons.

I attended the memorial service with other members of the Seal Beach Police Department. The Long Beach Area held thousands, including the entire Long Beach Fire Department. It was an emotional time full of warm tributes and meaningful words from the Rosa’s pastor. Captain Rosa was an outstanding Christian and citizen and firefighter who had mentored many.

I am filled with sorrow and anger at this crime, and for the great loss this senseless killing brought to family, colleagues, community and so many others.

Civility in Government and in Professional and Personal Life
—A Resolution

Genuine civility moves past simple politeness or pragmatic concerns and sees those with whom we disagree as full equals before God. It enables us to hold the respectful dialogues without which democratic decision-making is impossible. Civil people approach their government institutions with awe and gratitude. Civility is both the duty not to do harm and the duty to do good.

Civility cares for one’s own identity, needs and beliefs without degrading others in the process. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and asking others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of stopping to listen even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements.

God’s “Common Grace” (the gifts and abilities he bestows to all mankind) enables all people to practice civility. God’s “Regenerative Grace” enhances the ability of Jesus’ followers to treat others rightly.

Meaningful civility begins at the top—communication by the White House and Executive Branch, by members of Congress, and other government officials, whether federal, state or local. The tone set by leaders, and (when appropriate) rejected by leaders, will affect political and personal discourse throughout the country.

We look with alarm at the deterioration of communication, especially good face-to-face communication, in today’s political climate. Therefore, we call on political leaders to be honest and respectful in their political rhetoric, and to duly honor other political leaders in spite of political differences and flaws. We urge communication that truthfully focuses on issues and avoids harmful ad hominem characterizations of people.

Meaningful civility must also exist in the news media and in personal communications, especially in the use of social media. Commentators and reporters must separate facts from rumor and opinion and strive for helpful and wholesome communication at all times. Social media must be used with honesty and care. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19). Our churches need to teach and model this continually. Communicators should strive for “Golden Rule Communication.”

We condemn all acts of incivility, including outright violence and destruction, and denying others their constitutional right to free speech and freedom of association and assembly.

(This Resolution was adopted by my denomination, Charis Fellowship, also known as the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, on July 26, 2018).

Bible Insight—Fairness to All

(Not just to “me and thee” but not to “he”!)

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” – Leviticus 19:15

“Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.”
– Deuteronomy 16:19

The Roman statue known as “Lady Justice” is a metaphor for a justice system that is fair and impartial. Its widespread presence at many a courthouse is evidence that the values of fairness and impartiality reflected in the Law of Moses are widespread. When God commanded these virtues he clearly did not intend that they be limited to the theocratic people of Israel.

So, how are we doing? Rather well overall, it seems. But much more vigilance and work is needed to ensure full compliance.

A mantra of the religious left has been, “God has a special bias for the poor.” Certainly, God stands for those who have no one willing or able to stand for them. But “bias”? I don’t think so. The phrase, “Do not show partiality to the poor” has been criticized, which underscores the importance of teaching it.

But what about the rich and well-connected? Where is impartiality?

Our church went through major exterior renovation in 2017. It took two years for the approval process to make it through government scrutiny. But do you notice how massive projects benefitting the wealthy get subsidized, “fast-tracked” and exempted from environmental and other concerns?

What about “corporate welfare” for Hollywood ($1.8 billion in tax breaks benefitting producers and stars) and Disneyland (a new hotel)? What about new stadiums getting taxpayer dollars and environmental exemptions?
“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.” – Proverbs 19:6. Stay vigilant! Demand impartial justice and fair government. For to do so is to share God’s passions!

Final Words from Senator McCain

“Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I have tried to serve our country honorably. I have made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them…

“To be connected to America’s causes – liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people – brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves…

“We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history…

“Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.”

I noticed Arizona’s Seal under Senator McCain’s casket as he lay in state in the State Capitol.

“DITAT DEUS” means “God Inspires.” This has been part of the seal since Arizona became a state in 1912.

“VAYA CON DIOS” – “Go with God” – Friend Tommy Espinosa’s Tribute. I give thanks to God for this strong and good leader.

My Website: www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Contact me at: donaldshoemakerministries@verizon.net