Our in-person Ethics Study Days and online Study Hours, taught by Matthew Mason, consider what it means to live faithfully as God’s creatures in his world. Sometimes the focus is on a pressing cultural issue; sometimes the days consider more enduring questions of what it means to live a life that is pleasing to God.
These Days and Hours are grounded in the wisdom of the Scriptures, and enriched by the great teachers of the Christian tradition. They also pay careful attention to the roots and fruits of current philosophical and cultural trends. They will help you to understand more clearly and deeply the relationship of ethical questions to the doctrines of the gospel, and the practical implications for Christians and our families, friends, churches, communities, and institutions.
Ethics Study Days
On Sinful Desire: Understanding and Applying the Biblical Doctrine of Concupiscence
This theological ethics day is taught by Matthew Mason. The doctrine of concupiscence (the evil desires of our sinful nature) has proved controversial among evangelicals in recent years, especially in debates about same-sex attraction. But it is theologically and pastorally vital, and applies far more widely than simply to questions of sexual attraction.
The day will consider the history of the doctrine, before explaining the Protestant position and examining connections to vital doctrines like justification, repentance, sanctification, the relationship of sin and temptation, and the sinlessness of the Lord Jesus when he was tempted. There will be exegesis of key biblical passages, consideration of objections to the doctrine, and chance to explore the pastoral applications and significance of what we believe and teach.
Matthew Mason, our Tutor in Ethics, introduces the day:
Matthew Mason is available to teach this day for groups around the UK. Please get in touch with us via email if you would like to find out more about hosting Matthew to teach a day.
To attend an upcoming Ethics Study Day, click the button below.
Reading Groups
Online Ethics Reading Group
Our online Ethics Reading Group is led by our Tutor in Christian Ethics, Matthew Mason. The group discusses classic and contemporary ethics texts, some of which are immediately accessible, some of which are more challenging.
The group is open to anyone interested in Christian ethics, but is especially intended to help pastors think about important ethical questions and to dig deeper into what they are reading. Together, we learn from the writings of wise guides about how to think about and teach important ethical topics in ways that help and enrich our congregations.
London Reading Group
Our London Reading Group is open to any serious reader of Christian literature. We meet several times a year to discuss classic and contemporary theological works. Our meetings are held at London Seminary in Finchley, from 11am to 3pm. Please bring a packed lunch with you.
Discussions for the book we are reading are sent out by email about two weeks before the group meets. The questions are prepared by a volunteer from the group, who then leads the discussion.
To find out more about joining either group, please get in touch: