Ethics in Brief Volume 17, Nos. 3 and 4 (2011)

The next two issues from Volume 17 of Ethics in Brief, published by The Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics, are now available online:

David John Sandifer, ‘Is Christian Forgiveness Conditional?’, Ethics in Brief 17, 3 (2011)

The duty of Christian forgiveness has traditionally been understood to extend to all offenses. Recently, however, an interpretation has arisen to challenge this, arguing that Christians are only called to forgive those who demonstrate genuine repentance. This article argues that this view is based on a fallacious analogy between God’s forgiveness and ours, and that it runs counter to both the direct teaching of Scripture and the thrust of Christian discipleship.

Christopher Orton, ‘UKIP and the Common Good’, Ethics in Brief 17, 4 (2011)

This paper addresses the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and its call for Britain to withdraw from the European Union (EU). The paper does not argue for or against withdrawal but aims to help Christians reflect theologically on the question. The first section briefly considers two of UKIP’s 2010 General Election policy statements. Whilst UKIP demonstrate some openness to the theological tradition of ‘common good’ thinking, Christians will still find their basic policy commitments problematic. The second section explores the kind of ‘common good’ argument for withdrawal that Christians might find persuasive. It suggests that British trade policy might provide a basis for such an argument, but insists that more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.