Taught by Dr. Greg Bahnsen at Christ College in 1991, this course offers a thorough introduction to Christian ethics, examining the foundations of moral reasoning and the biblical standards that govern human conduct. Dr. Bahnsen begins by exploring the nature and scope of ethics, contrasting the biblical worldview with secular systems such as utilitarianism, relativism, and the philosophies of Kant, Mill, and Sartre. He emphasizes the centrality of God’s Word as the source of moral authority and argues that only the Christian worldview can provide a coherent and binding basis for ethical decision-making.
Building on this foundation, the course addresses critical questions concerning moral responsibility, the role of sanctification, the binding nature of God’s law, and the relationship between law and grace. A substantial portion of the series is devoted to modern moral dilemmas in light of the Ten Commandments, applying God’s enduring standards to contemporary issues such as abortion, euthanasia, sexual ethics, economic justice, capital punishment, and civil government. Dr. Bahnsen equips students not only to think clearly about these challenges, but to respond faithfully in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical norms. This course is essential listening for those seeking to bring every ethical thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
01 — God’s Word: The Source of Ethics (1 of 26)
02 — The Scope of Ethics and Rules of Ethical Reasoning (2 of 26)
03 — The Failure of Secular Ethics (3 of 26)
04 — Kant, Mill, and Sartre (4 of 26)
05 — Absolute Ethics vs. Cultural Relativism (5 of 26)
06 — Proof of Man’s Responsibility (6 of 26)
07 — Responsibility and Removal of Moral Pollution (7 of 26)
08 — Means of Sanctification (8 of 26)
09 — Models of Sanctification (9 of 26)
10 — The Human Condition and Decision-Making (10 of 26)
11 — Decision-Making; Asceticism (11 of 26)
12 — Cultural Mandate or Evangelism, Grace or Law? (12 of 26)
13 — How Much of the Law is Binding? Part 1 (13 of 26)
14 — How Much of the Law is Binding? Part 2 (14 of 26)
15 — New Covenant Ability to Keep the Old; Scripture Is Our Norm (15 of 26)
16 — The Weaker Brother; Israel’s Law for All (16 of 26)
17 — By What Standard Should Rulers Rule? (17 of 26)
18 — False Theories of Social Justice (18 of 26)
19 — Capital Punishment; State Authority (19 of 26)
20 — Modern Dilemmas: 1st and 2nd Commandments (20 of 26)
21 — Modern Dilemmas: 2nd and 3rd Commandments (21 of 26)
22 — Modern Dilemmas: 3rd–5th Commandments (22 of 26)
23 — Modern Dilemmas: 6th Commandment (23 of 26)
24 — Modern Dilemmas: 6th Commandment, Part 2 (24 of 26)
25 — Modern Dilemmas: 7th Commandment (25 of 26)
26 — Modern Dilemmas: 8th and 9th Commandments (26 of 26)