Christianity

Ethics

Christians believe that God created the world in such a way that there are laws that govern humanity's place in it. Failure to observe these moral laws can lead to pain and punishment. Christianity absorbed into its own ethic basic Old Testament instruction, including reverence for life, chastity, truthfulness, and passionate implementation of justice in the social order. But for the church, Jesus is of supreme importance for ascertaining moral standards. Moreover, Jesus seems to have heightened the demands of the Decalogue: For example, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28). Jesus' central demand was love for neighbor—as the one who happens to be at hand rather than the kinsperson or fellow citizen—and for enemies—those who wrong us. The Apostle Paul elaborated on a related theme, nonViolence or a willingness to undergo suffering and sacrifice for the sake of reconciliation, which we find in Jesus' teaching and life: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:14–21).

Roman Catholicism has traditionally emphasized the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, and the cardinal virtues of fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance. Beginning in the late 1800s, Catholic social teaching recognized the right of workers to organize and called for the state to intervene when necessary to protect them or any particular class that was suffering. While liberal and mainstream Protestantism employs literary and historical criticism to understand the Bible, conservative Protestantism continues to see the Bible primarily in terms of propositional truths or ethical norms and rules, which God revealed for all time and called Christians to obey. Ecumenical dialogue over issues such as bioethics and just-war theory has grown across many denominations. The World Council of [Page 216]Churches has addressed many current cultural issues with strong support for liberation movements among racial minorities, the poor, and women, and has advocated just, participative, and sustainable civilizations.

Christianity holds an affirmative attitude toward material reality—not abstinence, but right use of the material world—yet considers restraint and simplicity of lifestyle most admirable. Christians impose on themselves the duties of moderation as well as work for the upkeep of the body, for the support of dependents, and for the capability of charity. Responsibility depends on and is proportionate to opportunity, and it is the duty of Christians to present opportunity to all through education and training.

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