Relevance and Belief over Christian Ethics - Essay Example

Religion: Relevance and belief over Christian Ethics Introduction: Since the early days of human civilization, issues related to ethics and human morality have received special attention from all spheres of life and countless philosophical doctrines have been created with the purpose of giving common people a well structured understanding about these factors. However, considering all such efforts to define or determine morality and ethics, it cannot be said completely that such attempts were successful as common people’s understanding of ethics and morality keeps on changing at different points of time. In his attempt to define ethics and morality, British thinker Herbert McCabe has said that “ethics is entirely concerned with doing what you want” (McCabe; Williams 4). At the same time he also has pointed out that an individual should also keep in mind that his/her choice of actions should not disturb others’ peace or right to enjoy a peaceful life. The religious doctrines are considered as main sources to present basic guidelines of ethics for leading a harmonious life to common people. In this context, lessons of ethics, as preached by Christianity have occupied a quite important place in the area of global religion. Thesis Statement: The lessons of Christian ethics have remained subjects of great discussion and acceptance mainly due to the reason that those represent basic issues of enjoying a healthy and peaceful life in a universal manner, irrespective of differences in socio-cultural factors. Foundation of Christian Ethics and its universal appeal: Morality is an important factor that has received a great deal of importance from scholars of Christian religion. At the same time it has also been argued that special importance on the moral issues is one the basic features of the Christian ethics and also has played remarkable role in wide acceptance of the religion across the globe. Compared to the early phase of developing Christianity as a universal religion, several changes have happened later on in the Christian outlook towards life and ethics. However, despite all such changes basic moral appeal of Christian ethics has remained unchanged. Famous scholar J. Philip Wogaman has observed in this context, “In one sense, the very first question to ask about the biblical legacy is the basis of its moral claims. In part, it makes claims for special revelation – knowledge or insight that has been given to persons of faith and that is not available to those who are outside the community of faith. But in part it also relies upon knowledge that is available to any person of normal intelligence, reflecting on experience common to humanity” (Wogaman 3). The norms of Christian tradition and ethics have been clearly mentioned in the Holy Bible. Scholars are of opinion that Revelation on the Mount Sinai builds the base of entire Christian tradition and ethics. Basic lessons of the Revelation mainly focus on the issues of moral virtues of a human being so that he/she can enjoy his/her life along with others members of the society, without violating other people’s right. “The Value of Kindness” section from “The Sermon on the Mount” gives certain guidelines to followers of the religion. It becomes clear from the section that clear stress has been provided on “Value” as an essential human virtue and if human quality is properly distributed, the bonds of brotherhood and human fellowship will be stronger. The guidelines of the section are as follows: “3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:7 to 5:26) If we go through each of these directions, we will understand that highest importance has been given to the issue that human beings are expected to show their empathy towards their fellow members. At the same time it is also equally important that in time of crisis people should support each other so that the value of kindness can be properly maintained and respected. Looking at the contemporary turmoil, bloodshed and abuse of human values we realize the actual importance of the ethics that Christianity preached almost two thousand years back. As such lessons have not been provided with proper importance, the humanity is undergoing such time of crisis. Ethics preached by Jesus Christ also casts special focus on the difference between outer actions and inner intentions. If we observe carefully, there are numerous examples around us that show people continuously suffer the dilemma between what their minds tell them to do and execution of the action in real life. If every human being starts following impulses on their minds then there would be chaos; thus, the best way to control such actions is to judge them from ethical perspectives and also realize whether execution of such actions would cause any harm to others or not. Thus Christian ethics has clearly suggested: “29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:27 to 5:48) Value for life, humanity and harmonious social existence are certain goals that ethics aim at. The ethical principles, preached by Jesus Christ also aim at achieving the same goals and through such steps the Christian ethics also aims at ensuring welfare of both individuals and human beings. Compared to the early days of Christianity, interpretation and acceptance of Christian ethics did face a lot of negative influences. During the early days of establishment of the Church to the Medieval period, Christianity gradually became institutional rather than focusing on its ethical principles. Later on, the influence of Renaissance and active participation of Christian scholars like Luther and Calvin, the ethics of Christianity was restored. Till the age of Reformation to the Modern Christianity a lot of changes have been made to the ethical base of Christianity, but the core principles of ethics have remained unchanged. Consequently, following such humanitarian ethics help in spreading the scope of Christianity and its relevance in the modern social context. Works Cited Marshall, Alfred. Interlinear KJV-NIV Parallel New Testament in Greek and English. Michigan: Zondervan. 1992. Williams, Rowan. “Making Moral Decisions”. The Cambridge companion to Christian ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2001. Wogaman, J. Philip. Christian ethics: a historical introduction. Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. 1993. Read More