This new book from Wilberforce Publications is an excellent resource for those who want, as the subtitle states, a biblical introduction to social ethics. The author has a missionary background and is currently General Director of Gospel Literature Outreach. He is also well qualified theologically, with many other books to his name, and a sense of his experience and expertise comes across in everything he writes in this book.

Structured and informative

Although just an introduction, what McQuoid chooses to include is covered with enough depth to be informative and worthwhile. He makes his point and moves on in a progressive manner, providing a satisfying reading experience overall.

The book is well structured in three parts, the central section being where most of the information and debates can be found. This is flanked by two chapters on understanding the biblical foundations of what he will argue later, and by two final chapters on understanding the duty of Christians within society once they have absorbed the points from the previous section.

The basis for all social ethics is a correct understanding of mankind as the image bearers of our creator

God’s blueprint

The author’s opening makes it clear that ultimately only the gospel can bring the transformation that society needs. Nothing else can reverse the current trends in ethics and morals, though we can and should also speak out “while we wait and pray for revival” (p.11).

In the first section McQuoid sets out very clearly but succinctly that the basis for all social ethics is a correct understanding of mankind as the image bearers of our creator. He lists our transcendental qualities, which set us apart from the rest of creation. He concludes by saying “At each point in the creation story God was making a universe from His own magnificent imagination. However, when He created humans, the blueprint was himself” (p.21).

For McQuoid this is essential when it comes to laying a foundation for our ethics. He then goes on to discuss what we call ‘the Fall’ and how the consequences of this have eventually led to our contemporary questioning of truth in general and of morality in particular. The author ends Part 1 with a telling remark that by rebelling against God in this way and tampering with his original plan, we have inevitably engaged in “an act of self-harm” (p.24).

Objective ethics

Part 2 starts with an interesting discussion on the difference between morality and ethics, and on why Christians hold the views they do and why they would assume their ethical standards can inform wider society. As part of this, McQuoid takes us through the different ethical models that are mainly operating in society today (principled, consequential, virtue, contextual). His critique is excellent and concludes that, without a firm foundation as to the source of truth, each is flawed and potentially dangerous. Without a set of principles that are transcendent to our culture, no ethical system can be free of human subjectivity.

The author also asks whether objective ethics do exist or indeed whether they can exist. An answer of ‘yes’ is only possible if God exists. Denying this leaves us in “the quagmire of moral relativism” (p.40).

Abortion

McQuoid’s next chapter is entitled ‘Towards a Christian Ethic’ and is totally devoted to explaining each of the Ten Commandments in turn. By this point the author is ready to launch into his central chapters which examine three specific issues: abortion, the redefinition of marriage and the family, and the transgender culture.

Be prepared for a shock in the chapter for abortion if you have never before read how this is done, both medically and surgically.

Again, although briefly covered, each chapter contains enough detail to make an impact. Be prepared for a shock in the chapter for abortion if you have never before read how this is done, both medically and surgically. The key questions of “When does a human life begin?” and “What is a person” are well examined and you can draw your own conclusions.

Marriage, family and gender

In the chapter on marriage and the redefinition of the family, we are warned that expressing traditional views will result in us being immediately denounced as bigoted and phobic. In discussing homosexuality, McQuoid is careful to point out that we should not single this out as a specific or unique effect of the Fall and disregard others. We are all fallen people, and holiness should be our goal whatever our sexual orientation.

The transgender issue has received a lot of coverage in many places, but this a useful chapter summarising aspects such as gender dysphoria, which, although a reality that should not be ignored, has been hijacked to create hostility even towards those trying to help. In general McQuoid provides useful definitions of terms we need to know and explains the three main lenses or frameworks through which transgenderism can be viewed: integrity, disability, diversity. In the final part of the chapter the author takes us through six specific concerns that we should think through.

Prophetic truth

Part 3 rounds off the book by considering the Christian voice within a secular democracy and the role of the Church as a refuge for the broken. We need to think how to both preach the gospel and be salt and light. In particular McQuoid argues that “we need to speak prophetic truth into society” (p.111).

This is a compelling and well written book, which makes its case effectively. It should be considered by anyone who has an interest in social ethics and biblical truth. Highly commended.

‘In His Image: A Biblical Introduction to Social Ethics’ (126pp) is published by Wilberforce Publications, and is available from Glo Bookshop at the discounted price of £8.00