Lesson 1 (Introduction to Christian Ethics) - Copy.pptx

Introduction to Christian Ethics.

1. INTRO TO THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS Dr. Josiah B. Andor

2. INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS Lesson One

3. LESSON ONE INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS The term “ethics” comes from the Greek word ethos , meaning “habit, custom, and law.” It is used in the New Testament in the sense of custom and law. The Latin equivalent to the Greek word is mos (Plural mores ), from which we get our term “morality.”

4. Human behaviour is mostly determined by the view of society about things and issues. Ethos was used to designate the customary rules that defined human conduct. The said regulations provided society with stability and security. In their thinking, things were done because that was the way it had always been.

5. However, during the fifth century BCE, there was a revolution in their thinking. They began to think like philosophers. They began asking philosophical questions: How can ethical principles (what we have always done) be justified? What is the meaning of terms such as “right”, “good”, etc.?

6. These questions changed the trend of thinking about moral values. Thus, Ethics can now be described as a branch of philosophy. It is a moral philosophy, or a philosophical thinking about morality, moral problems and moral judgements. Ethics is therefore the study of moral behaviour. Morality is usually associated with sexual behaviour, but in the field of ethics, it means believing and doing what is right or good.

7. Ethical analysts attempts to answer several questions: Why should we be moral persons? I.e., why should we do what is right and good? ( the reasons for moral behavior) Where do we find moral principles? ( the source(s) of proper moral behavior) What do we mean by justice, love, etc. ( defining moral principles and what is right and good) How should people behave? ( determining how people should act in specific situations)

8. Approaches to the study of ethics There are at least three approaches to the study of ethics. theological or religious ethics, philosophical ethics, and Christian ethics. Though they have many things in common, they are essentially different in terms of motivation, sources, and to some extent, structure.

9. Theological or religious ethics This is a particular religion’s (usually non-Christian religion) own perception and understanding of God. Thus, we have Hindu ethics, Islamic ethics, etc.

10. Philosophical ethics This is the prevailing system of ethics today. It goes back into Greek Philosophy when people began to question traditional modes of conduct in the light of new situations and concerns. Important ethical questions were raised: On what basis does one have to do this action and not a different one? Are there absolute ethical norms? Or are the ethical norms relative, to be obeyed under certain circumstances but not in other situations?

11. Christian Ethics This is a different ethical system. It originates in a different set of presuppositions than those used in Philosophical ethics. It is a revelational ethic and hence a theological discipline. Christian ethics places God at its centre and analyses the following questions: I am a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of his church, then how should I behave in every aspect of my life

12. It is the task of Christian ethics to give an answer to that question. That is, in Christian ethics, the individual is thinking about the implications and impact of his/her Christian faith in the private, social, and religious life.

13. As has been stated already the centre of Christian ethics is God and not man. In Christian ethics, the analysis begins with God, ie , with his own revelation in the Bible. The Bible, therefore becomes of great importance in the study of Christian ethics. The basic question among Christian ethicists is: what is the function of the Bible in Christian ethics?

14. Just like philosophical ethics, Christian ethics also faces challenges. Today, many ethical problems are encountered by Christians. Some of those problems are: Artificial insemination , Organ transplant , Cloning , Euthanasia , Nuclear weapons , Pornography . Abortion, etc.

15. As educated Christians, we should be able to express positions on those issues in an intelligent manner. Some of these will be explored in the study of this course. Christian ethics therefore involves the combination of the ethical Christian and the profession .

16. Ethics and Morality in Christianity Ethics and morals are behavioural principles in humans that determine what is right and what is wrong. As per the belief of a common man, Christianity is a religion that is bound by a certain set of rules and regulations that have been imposed by the Almighty. A Christian is required to follow these principles that impose a sense of morality and a specific ethical behaviour in the individual.

17. Ethical practices in Christianity evolved during the Roman era. This was the period when early Christians were a part of Roman Empire. Ethics in Christianity are primarily centred on grace, mercy and forgiveness. A Christian is expected to have thoughts and deeds that are respectable and honourable and must abstain from doing any sins. The three virtues indicated in Bible include faith, hope and love . However, another four cardinal virtues were adapted by Aquinas that includes justice, courage, temperament and prudence.

18. According to the New Testament, God is the supreme power who is autonomous, independent and is self-existent. Individuals should have complete belief and love towards God with unfettered heart, mind, strength and soul. The New Testament directs individuals to love neighbours as one would love oneself. Morality refers to good and evil. Religion of Christianity states that good exists only in God. There is no other form of legitimate, genuine and absolute “Good” except the God Himself. It is God who reveals Himself and He can only define His character of goodness.

19. One can have complete understanding and knowledge of goodness if they know God through Jesus Christ. Goodness is not a static structure. It is a dynamic state that constantly flows. This means that in modern times, the question of ethics and morality in Christianity is being seriously debated. The people from the old school want to hold on to the preaching of the Bible while the more progressive ones want to change according to the times and situations.