Breakpoint Podcast: "Early Church Ethics" (December 15, 2025)
Host: John Stonestreet, Colson Center

Episode Overview

In this episode of Breakpoint, John Stonestreet challenges the popular claim that Christian moral stands—specifically regarding issues like sexual ethics, exclusivity of faith, and the pro-life stance—are modern inventions shaped by late 20th-century American culture. Stonestreet draws upon the writings and lifestyle of the early church to show that these convictions are deeply rooted in Christian history. The episode examines why these ethical principles were radical in the ancient Greco-Roman world and how early believers’ countercultural fidelity transformed society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Modern Critiques of Christian Morality

• Criticism Addressed:
  Stonestreet notes that many today allege Christian beliefs about sexuality, exclusivity, and the pro-life position are modern fabrications, tied to American conservatism.
  • "Critics often argue that much of what Christians think of as biblical truth and morality today are mere inventions of late 20th century American conservatism." (00:12, John Stonestreet)

Continuity of Core Beliefs

• Early Christians’ Reputation:
  The host emphasizes that, historically, Christians were "known—and often attacked—for many of the same beliefs and practices that Christians are today, just without the lions.” (00:36)
• Ancient Sources:
  • Justin Martyr’s Worship Description:
    The rituals and structure of Christian worship have remarkable continuity—readings, teaching, communal prayers, and the Lord’s Supper—mirroring many modern church services.
  • The Epistle to Diognetus:
    Early Christians embraced their societies while living as "sojourners," sharing life’s burdens and holding distinct moral standards.
    • “They have a common table, but not a common bed.” (01:48, quoting Diognetus)

Early Church Teaching on Ethics

• The Didache's Command:
  The Didache, a second-century document, clearly opposed abortion and infanticide:

  • “You shall not murder a child by abortion, nor kill that which is born.” (02:11, summarizing the Didache)

• Contrast with Pagan Practices:
  In the Greco-Roman world, abortion and infant exposure were common. Christians stood out by rescuing abandoned children (primarily girls), directly opposing prevailing norms.

• Demographic Consequences:
  Rodney Stark’s research is cited:

  • Christians rescued exposed infants, leading to higher numbers of women in Christian communities as compared to pagan ones.
  • Christian groups had higher fertility rates due to their opposition to abortion.
  • “In the end, the explosive growth of Christianity across the empire was really about math. God used the obedience of early Christians to change the world.” (03:14, John Stonestreet)

Motive and Impact of Obedience

• Ordinary Actions, Extraordinary Consequences:
  Stonestreet imagines asking early Christians about the historical impact of their actions:
  • “I don’t know anything about that...I’m just trying to help her.” (03:38, Stonestreet, imagining early Christians)
  • Christianity’s growth wasn’t about random acts of kindness, but faithful ethical living that challenged norms.

The Essence of Countercultural Living

• Remaining countercultural is what gave Christianity its transformative power in the ancient world.
  • “Ordinary people living out extraordinary faith. That’s what transformed the world.” (04:07, John Stonestreet)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christian Continuity:
  • “Just like the creeds of the early church clarified what Christians should believe, there are other writings from that time that clarify how Christians should live.” (00:49, John Stonestreet)
• Early Christian Lifestyle:
  • “They marry as do all others; they beget children, but they do not destroy their offspring...They have a common table, but not a common bed.” (01:48, quoting Epistle to Diognetus)
• Growth by Fidelity:
  • “The explosive growth of Christianity...was really about math. God used the obedience of early Christians to change the world.” (03:14, John Stonestreet)
• Motivation for Action:
  • “I don’t know anything about that...I’m just trying to help her.” (03:38, paraphrasing early Christians’ imagined response)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01 – 00:40: Introduction and overview of modern critiques of Christian morality
• 00:41 – 02:11: Early church writings on worship, lifestyle, and the Didache
• 02:12 – 03:14: Contrast between Christian ethics and Greco-Roman norms; Rodney Stark’s insights
• 03:15 – 03:57: Motive behind early Christian obedience; personal reflection on historical impact
• 03:58 – 04:25: The transformative effect of ordinary believers' faithfulness

Summary Tone & Language

John Stonestreet’s tone is earnest and reflective, emphasizing both the historical grounding and enduring relevance of Christian ethical teachings. He uses stories and quotations from early church documents to draw compelling parallels to contemporary debates, confidently challenging listeners to appreciate the deep roots of Christian moral witness.

For a more in-depth exploration, listen to the full episode or read the original commentary at breakpoint.org.