Biblical Ethics: An Exegetical Approach to a Morality of Happiness

Christians must reclaim the true definition and thoughtful explanation of biblical happiness in order to live abundant lives. Biblical Ethics restores to the church the way she should live: as morally happy beings created in the image of God to enjoy glorifying him.

The modern church has forgotten the biblical role of happiness according to a Christian worldview. The bride of Christ today faintly reflects the beauty of her Hebraic genesis. She has fallen fast asleep under the spell of deontological (duty-based) ethics that fails to take into account God-given aspects to her humanity, such as personal desires. Three key Hebraic words have the hermeneutical power to transform the church back to her radiant self: esher (i.e., happy, happiness), barak (i.e., bless, blessed), and shalom (i.e., peace, prosperity, health, well-being, favor, friendship, security, and salvation). These terms collectively prescribe a proper morality of happiness to be lived in Christian community.

This book is meant to be used as an academic text and/or supplementary study guide evidenced by end-of-chapter review questions, as well as questions for personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Chester J. Delagneau is a breath of fresh air as a poet of prose in the world of inspirational Christian living. With extensive biblical, philosophical, and ethical training from three prestigious Christian institutions (Azusa Pacific University, Talbot School of Theology, and Fuller Theological Seminary) and with three earned degrees (Bachelor of Arts in human development (psychology-sociology), a Master of Arts in systematic theology with an emphasis on biblical languages, and a Master of Arts in philosophy of religion and ethics), Chester provides exactly what the modern church needs in order to find true (moral) happiness in a broken (immoral) world.