BTP 101: Introduction to Christian Ethics

Subtitle: Living Biblically in the Modern World

Course Description

Welcome to BTP 101! This course serves as the foundational guide to Christian moral reasoning. We will move beyond a simple list of “dos and don’ts” to build a robust, biblical framework for making ethical decisions in a complex world. This journey will equip you to think critically and biblically about the choices you face every day. We will explore the ultimate source of our ethics in the character of God, trace its development through Scripture, and learn how to apply these timeless truths to pressing issues of personal integrity, our relationships, and the challenging questions our society faces today. Get ready to connect your faith to your actions in a deeper, more intentional way.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of Christian ethics. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate Foundations: Explain the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments.
• Identify Ethical Frameworks: Define and differentiate key approaches to ethical reasoning from a Christian perspective.
• Cultivate Personal Integrity: Apply biblical principles to matters of personal character, conscience, and spiritual disciplines.
• Navigate Relational Dynamics: Analyze interpersonal ethical issues within the family, church, and community through the lens of Scripture.
• Engage Societal Issues: Formulate biblically-reasoned positions on contemporary moral challenges.
• Develop Moral Discernment: Construct a personal framework for making wise and godly decisions in everyday life.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Foundation of Christian Ethics

• Lesson 1: Why Christian Ethics? The Goal of a God-Honoring Life
• Lesson 2: The Law & The Prophets: God’s Character as Our Moral Compass
• Lesson 3: The Sermon on the Mount: The Heart of Kingdom Ethics
• Lesson 4: Pauline Ethics: The Indicative and the Imperative (Gospel & Life)
• Lesson 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit & Conscience in Moral Reasoning

Chapter 2: The Moral Self: Cultivating Personal Integrity

• Lesson 1: The Fruit of the Spirit: Virtue Ethics in the Believer’s Life
• Lesson 2: The Weight of a Word: The Ethics of Truthfulness and Speech
• Lesson 3: Stewards of the Self: The Body, Sexuality, and Sanctification
• Lesson 4: The Ethics of Work, Wealth, and Rest
• Lesson 5: Digital Discipleship: Navigating Technology with Integrity

Chapter 3: Relational Ethics: Loving God and Our Neighbor

• Lesson 1: The Great Commandment: The Core of Interpersonal Ethics
• Lesson 2: The Family Unit: Marriage, Parenting, and Honor
• Lesson 3: The Church Community: Unity, Forgiveness, and Accountability
• Lesson 4: Loving the Stranger: The Ethics of Hospitality and Welcome
• Lesson 5: Forgiving Our Enemies: The Radical Ethic of Reconciliation

Chapter 4: Kingdom Ethics in the Public Square

• Lesson 1: The Christian and Government: Submission, Conscience, and Civil Disobedience
• Lesson 2: The Sanctity of Life: A Consistent Ethic from Beginning to End
• Lesson 3: Seeking Justice: The Poor, The Oppressed, and The Marginalized
• Lesson 4: Creation Care: Our Stewardship of God’s World
• Lesson 5: Race, Power, and the People of God

Chapter 5: A Life of Wisdom: Navigating the Gray Areas

• Lesson 1: Principles vs. Rules: Making Decisions in Complex Situations
• Lesson 2: Christian Liberty and Stumbling Blocks (Romans 14-15)
• Lesson 3: The Wisdom of Community: Seeking Counsel and Accountability
• Lesson 4: When Saints Disagree: Navigating Ethical Differences in the Church
• Lesson 5: A Lifelong Pursuit: Finishing the Race with Integrity

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.