The Bible views humor positively, but it also must be used cautiously. Oaths and vows are acceptable for Christians in many situations. It is morally acceptable for a Christian to portray a non-Christian in a movie or a theater production, but even in that situation it would not be right to take God’s name in vain. Yet another category of speech includes (3) obscene or unclean language, in which it is important to recognize the effect that using certain offensive words will have on our reputations as Christians. In a broader sense this commandment warns us against not only (1) taking God’s name in vain, but also against (2) cursing others who are made in the image of God. The third commandment prohibits foolish or worthless use of God’s name, as well as any false or irreverent speech about God.

Specifically with regard to the Trinity, the commandment prohibits images and pictures of God the Father, but it does not prohibit pictures of Jesus Christ, because he did live on earth as a man. It prohibits all images of the true God, as well as images of false gods.

The second commandment prohibits making carved images to worship, but it does not prohibit all visual arts. Modern Christians need to be especially cautious of things that we can be tempted to love and serve and trust more than God, such as money, material things, food and physical pleasure, the approval of other people, power, or self. When societies ignore this first commandment, much evil follows. We are always and everywhere in the presence of God, and he will tolerate no other small “gods” at any place or any time in our lives. Read on your preferred digital device, including smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Take a 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a free ebook in the format of your choosing. Get a free copy of the ebook ‘Defending Your Faith’ by telling us a little bit about yourself! Borrowing, Lending, and the Question of Debt.Property: The Goodness and The Necessity of Private Ownership and Property.Infertility, Reproductive Technology, and Adoption.You can also download a PDF version of the summaries. The purpose of Wayne Grudem’s Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning is to help readers apply a biblical worldview to difficult ethical issues, including wealth and poverty, marriage and divorce, birth control, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, business practices, environmental stewardship, telling the truth, knowing God’s will, understanding Old Testament laws, and more.Ĭlick on a topic below to read a brief summary of each of the ethical issues Dr.

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