Authors: Compilation. 134 pages, soft cover. Printed and distributed by the CMPA on behalf of the UK Christadelphian Military Service Committee - 2021.

This book is divided into two parts. Each topic is introduced in its Biblical context in the 'Foundations' section. Topics are then covered again in the 'Handbook' section, where issues arising from recent UK legislation relating to the topic are discussed. 

The seven topics are:

1. Separation
2. Gender
3. Marriage
4. Lifestyle
5. Parenting
6. Witness
7. Work

Readers outside the UK will need to read the Handbook section noting that the legislation discussed is that applicable in the UK. While this could be seen as a limitation on the book it will be quickly become apparent that the issues the legislation is for are very similar across western society. Therefore the book is a very useful and up to date source of help to brethren and sisters in facing the challenges of daily living and employment.  These challenges largely arise from the increasingly litigious, humanistic and godless western culture in which our lives as "strangers and exiles" are placed.

Book Review

In every generation, believers have been confronted by the standards of a world that knows not or chooses to ignore God. Even in the Garden of Eden the ways of God were challenged. Later in Sodom, Lot was “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked” (2 Pet. 2:7). It should not surprise us, therefore, that in the time of the end, which our Lord likens to the days of Lot (Lk. 17:28,30), modern believers should be subject to social trends and pressures which challenge their conscience.

Social and moral attitudes have changed markedly and rapidly in recent decades. Many practices and attitudes which only a generation ago were anathema are now not only tolerated but actively promoted. This is especially the case in the western world, but in this modern age all parts of the globe are or soon will be touched by such pressures in varying degrees, increasingly so as we draw closer to our Lord’s return.

In 2021, the UK Military Service Committee published a thought-provoking book titled Challenges to Conscience. Several authors contributed to the text. The book covers a range of issues relating to morality and lifestyle, some of which are age-old and others which have risen to prominence in recent times. All are matters with which many individuals and ecclesias struggle or may expect to struggle in what one of the authors perceptively describes as “the permissive, and increasingly intolerant, society in which we live” (page 111). At times, it seems that the only thing of which modern society is intolerant is the rejection of the progressive agenda which promotes immorality and licence.

Structure

The book is composed of two sections, each of which has seven chapters with the same themes:

1. Separation
2. Gender
3. Marriage
4. Lifestyle
5. Parenting
6. Witness
7. Work

Section 1 is called Foundations and deals with principles and the Biblical teaching underlying those principles for each of the seven themes. Section 2, called Handbook, discusses practical challenges relating to each of the themes.

At the conclusion of Section 1 there is an appendix titled “Correcting in love”. This is a powerful and insightful essay on the need to speak the truth in love when we see a brother or sister struggling to uphold Biblical models of behaviour. Disciples who are at risk need our love and support if they are to return to the way of life.

At the end of Section 2 there is another appendix which discusses the value of including in ecclesial constitutions clauses which set out our position on matters relating to sexual morality and on issues relating to gender. Specific wording is suggested that some might find useful. Inclusion of such clauses in ecclesial constitutions would provide clarity as to the Bible’s teaching and may help should the ecclesia or its members be subject to a legal challenge in relation to these matters.

Be ye holy for I am holy

Appropriately, each section commences with a chapter on the importance of holiness. The first sentence sets the tone of the book: “For a believer, the word ‘separation’ is a positive quality” (page 4). Separation first and foremost must focus on that to which we are separated, and only by extension does it require separation from certain things and practices.

Holiness is an ideal that Moses repeatedly impressed upon Israel. It is especially evident in the text of Leviticus, from which Peter draws words to stress the need for disciples of Christ to aspire to holiness (1 Pet. 1:16). Holiness has always been a challenge for believers, as the failure of the Israelites testifies. In the modern western world, the challenge is made all the harder by governments which actively promote attitudes and lifestyles which are unholy and by technology which makes that which is degrading and profane so accessible.

Having laid a strong foundation in holiness, the book discusses issues relating to gender, in particular the problems associated with gender dysphoria, before moving on to the topic of marriage and lifestyle choices and challenges posed by the increasing acceptance of behaviours and relationships which are contrary to Bible teaching. These challenges are dealt with in a direct and open manner, but also in a respectful and empathetic way. In several cases, the authors draw upon scientific research which confirms the wisdom of Biblical standards and the problems which arise when society turns its back on these standards.

Ecclesial and family life

The authors draw attention to the challenges that modern social trends can pose to ecclesias both regarding members or young people who may be experiencing difficulties, and in terms of their obligation to present the whole counsel of God to a largely Godless world. The advice offered in the book will be valued by ecclesial elders and all who seek to do all to the glory of God.

The chapters on parenting offer insights that will help those with responsibility for the nurture and welfare of children. As the authors show, this is an area where peer pressure, supported by the pervasiveness of modern technology, adds to the challenges being experienced by children and young people. Vexing issues can arise for those who lack the maturity and experience to respond to them effectively, and the advice offered in this book will be welcome by many parents.

Inevitably the social changes arising from a permissive society will have an impact on the education system and there are pitfalls for the unwary. There may be hard questions that need to be faced if we are to protect our children from the worst excesses of the modern world.

In a telling paragraph, one of the authors encapsulates the challenge for the modern disciple and the timelessness of Biblical values:

Society is embracing practices and lifestyles that are perhaps closer to those of the Greco-Roman first century world in which the gospel was initially preached. The clear and pure teaching of God’s word, which stands as a counter to man’s humanistic values, is as important as ever. Conforming to the standards and principles the Bible expresses reduces the emotional turmoil that often arises in modern life and prepares believers for the age, shortly to be revealed in the earth. (Page 98)

Legislation and Regulations

Just navigating evolving social trends and attitudes would be challenging enough, but these trends are increasingly being entrenched in legislation and official administrative instruments. Writing in the UK, the authors cite specific laws and legal cases that apply in that jurisdiction. In some respects, the UK has progressed further down a liberal path in these areas than other nations. The UK examples, however, have their counterparts in the legal frameworks that apply in other western nations. They also suggest trends that are likely to be manifested in legal reforms in other nations, especially those who also operate under a Westminster parliamentary model.

As disciples of Christ, we recognise the need to be “be subject unto the higher powers” (Rom 13.1). We need to pay close attention to legal obligations imposed by government and comply as far as possible. As the authors explain, so far there are no aspects of our conduct, worship and witnessing that cannot be pursued with minimal interference if we act prudently, being “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Mt. 10:16). They caution, however, that circumstances may arise in which we may be obliged to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The chapters on work draw attention to cultural challenges that may arise within the workplace as it reflects the permissiveness of the community. Disciples need to consider their choice of career and employment to minimize the possibility of difficulties arising. But even where care is exercised, there may come a time when it is necessary to change employment to avoid unmanageable conflicts of conscience.

Conclusion

This timely and valuable volume will be welcome by many who, like Lot, are “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked”. The trends discussed are further evidence of the nearness of our Lord’s return. For that reason, there is much in this book which will help fortify readers for the challenges they will face in these closing days of the Gentiles and ensure that we can continue our witness to a perishing world in these last days.

Geoff Henstock

This review was first published in The Testimony August 2022