Ethics And Morality
In Christianity
Ethics and morals are behavioral
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
behavior in the individual.
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 centered on grace, mercy and forgiveness. A Christian is
expected to have thoughts and deeds that are respectable and
honorable 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.
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 neighbors as one would love
oneself. Morality refers to good and evil. Religion of Christianity
states that good exists only is 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. 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 preachings of the Bible while the more progressive ones want to change according to the times and situations. |
