By Kerby Anderson

With all the social and political issues coming at us these days, it is important that we get back to first principles. Here are a few biblical principles that should inform how we respond to current issues.

First is the sanctity of human life. Verses such as Psalm 139:13-16 show that God’s care and concern extend to the womb. Other verses such as Jeremiah 1:5, Judges 13:7-8, Psalm 51:5 and Exodus 21:22–25 give additional perspective and framework to this principle that applies to many areas of bioethics.

A second principle is a biblical perspective on marriage. Marriage is God’s plan and provides intimate companionship for life (Genesis 2:18). Marriage provides a context for the procreation and nurture of children (Ephesians 6:1-2). And finally, marriage provides a godly outlet for sexual desire (1 Corinthians 7:2). These principles can be applied to such diverse issues as artificial reproduction (which often introduces a third party into the pregnancy), cohabitation (living together), and same-sex marriage.

A final principle concerns government and our obedience to civil authority. Government is ordained by God (Romans 13:1-7). We are to render service and obedience to the government (Matthew 22:21) and submit to civil authority (1 Peter 2:13-17). Even though we are to obey government, there may be certain times when we might be forced to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). These principles apply to issues such as war, civil disobedience, politics, and government.

Every day, it seems, we are confronted with ethical choices and moral complexity. I address these in more detail in my book, Christian Ethics in Plain Language. As Christians it is important to consider these biblical principles and consistently apply them to these issues.