Luke Part 3 – Luke’s Ethical Teachings and the Enlightenment
by Dan Severson
Class Date October 5, 2022
Summary: In this study, Pastor Dan takes a closer look at specific verses in Luke that influenced Enlightenment thinkers, such as Thomas Jefferson.
After the Reformation, various rulers, princes, and kings were at odds with respect to whether or not to remain loyal to the Roman Church, or adopt the new Protestant reforms. It became clear hat a common religion could not serve as the basis for the unification of a society. While this was going on, the scientific method was refined and many of the early scientific discoveries were being made. This led to the period of time known as the Enlightenment.
People of the Enlightenment were free thinkers. In politics, religion, morality, and other subjects, different opinions abounded. They also tended to be great admirers of the ethical principles of Jesus. Thomas Jefferson was a child of the Enlightenment.
Jesus’ moral outlook had a greater influence on western morality than any other. Jesus illustrates what morality is, namely, transcending normal human behavior. It is acts of servanthood whereby the interests of the other is placed above self-interest. That good will someday overcome evil, that comes from Jesus, especially in the gospel of Luke.