Walking in the Way: An Introduction to Christian Ethics

Look everywhere around you, both close at home and at large. Perhaps look into your own heart. What has happened to the world? Do you see disillusionment, discouragement, cheating, lying, disrespect, unfaithfulness? Do you find dishonesty, greed, lust, corruption, loss of values? Have you lost your way? Have your leaders lost theirs? "Walking the Way: An Introduction to Christian Ethics" was not written to deal with the questions asked above. "The purpose [of this book] is practical--to learn how to live as the people of God, in character and in conduct....[and] belief and behavior" (2). However, if a person possesses the characteristics listed above, s/he can commit as a person of God to "the Way" of Christ (John 14:6) and be changed. Christian ethics deals with "oughtness," in how to live and what to live for, all based on Scripture and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. . This verse from Micah in the Christian Old Testament serves as a coda for behavior: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (6:8). In the introduction, then, Trull explains that Christian ethics can be taught and why it is important in facing "moral storms" that surround us (see partial list in first paragraph). Trull's book encompasses the historical background to both philosophy, generally, and ethics, specifically. He lays out the language and theories of ethics, which establish the framework for Christian ethics. Are you familiar with Socrates, Plato, Kant, categorical imperative, ethical relativism, deontology, prima facie duties, teleology, the proper way to interpret Scripture, Hebrew morality, and ethical teachings of the prophets, Christ, Paul, John, and the Holy Spirit? This list is just an inkling of the topics and terms Trull covers in Part 1. Perhaps the biggest downfall of followers of the Way is what the Apostle James wrote: "But be doers of the Word, and not merely hearers" (1:22). As an adjunct, Trull explains how fundamentalism developed in the United States in opposition to liberal theology, which took in principles of Darwinism, evolution, and the Enlightenment. The Niagra Creed of 1878 listed five fundamentals of Christianity, one of which is inerrancy of Scripture, which led eventually to legalism, the hard-hearted aspect of Christianity. Christ warned about following the letter of the law while neglecting the spirit and intent (Matt. 15:3-9). Trull concludes this section with a Model for Moral Decision Making. Trull deals with specific ethical issues in Part II, beginning with Christian and personal ethics. Trull lists all kinds of personal issues, including addictions, then applies Scripture in response and support. He cites the Modesto Manifesto, created by the Billy Graham ministry, which includes "a set of practical guidelines for maintaining moral purity and avoiding even the appearance of evil" (155). Chapter seven particularly concerns sexuality, marriage, and divo

I say this is an "engaging" book because I found myself absorbed in its material. "Walking in the Way" presents the background of Christian ethics; then it discusses how Christian ethics apply to issues we face today. Chapter 5 presents a very helpful "model for moral decision making." It's a very good "filter" for the reader to use when facing difficult decisions.The author places a strong emphasis on the authority of Scripture as a guide for Christian ethics. On page 46, he states that "nonbiblical material always must be evaluated in light of the theological and ethical truth revealed in God's Word. Insights derived from supplemental resources may force us to reexamine our interpretations of biblical truth, but they must never take the place of the unique revelation of God's will in the Bible." An interesting feature of the book is that any time a word in the text appears in the glossary, it appears in bold print. The endnotes of the book are also helpful in shedding additional light on the topics discussed in the chapters. I recommend "Walking In The Way" to those who want to deepen their understanding of Christian ethics. It challenges the reader to think biblically about issues; when I say "biblically," I mean that it encourages consulting the entire panoply of Scriptural insight when faced with ethical decision-making.Although this book is uncompromising in its treatment of ethical issues as they relate to Christians, grace is emphasized over legalism. In the conclusion of the book, the author tells the Christian that it's not enough just to study Christian ethics, "for the meaning of the Christian life is in the living of it" (p. 286).