Christian Ethics

Christian ethics (ChE) is a widespread ethical tradition that was born some 2,000 years ago. Although there are different degrees of adherence to and interpretations of these ethics, the great number of Christians—2.18 billion worldwide, according to the Pew Research Center’s estimate for 2013—gives an idea of the importance of this tradition. Moreover, ChE has had a practical influence on philosophers and on ordinary people in many historical periods, opening new horizons to them.

Although there are diverse ways to understand ChE, it is generally understood as a body of systematic knowledge to guide moral behavior based on the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth (Christ), who confirmed and extended the moral teachings of the Old Testament and, in continuity with Him, on the teachings ...