Arguing from scripture is one of the ways that Christians test theirmoral judgments. But are all methods of appealing to the Bibleequally valid and effective? In this book Charles Cosgrove looksat the churchs long tradition of moral debate and uncovers fivecentral rules that can best guide the use of scripture in con-temporaryethical debates.After introducing the nature of moral arguments generally, Cosgrove devotes one chapter to each of the five rules of biblicalinterpretation that make ethical appeals to scripture persuasive. Hesets forth each rules rationale, provides examples of its operation, and subjects it to critique.Based not only on the work of biblical scholars and Christianethicists but also on Cosgroves own experience with debates inclassrooms, churches, and other Christian contexts, this volume isbe a valuable aid to readers who employ moral reasoning inreal-life settings.
Charles H. Cosgrove is emeritus professor of early Christian literature at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he taught from 2011–2021. Earlier in his career, he taught at Northern Seminary and in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools’ Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program. He has published books and essays on a wide range of subjects, including the letters of Paul, biblical theology, hermeneutics and ethics, practical theology, and early Christian hymnody.