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Explore the foundational principles, ethical imperatives, and moral guidelines of Christian ethics. Learn about the importance of love, the Golden Rule, and the role of conscience in decision-making. Delve into sexual morality, social ethics, and the dual purpose of sex in fostering healthy relationships and family life. Discover the emphasis on human dignity, common good, and caring for the marginalized in Christian ethical teachings.
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Christian Ethics SCTR 19 – Religions of the Book Felix Just, S.J.
Definitions • Greek ethos = Latin mores • “Custom” (how people act/live) • So Ethics = Morals • But practical usage often distinguishes: • Sexual Morality • Social Ethics
Foundational Principles • Basic Moral Imperative – • "Do good & avoid evil" (cf. Luke 6:27-36) • Decalogue – • Ten Commandments (Exod 20 & Deut 5), partially quoted in Matt 5:17-48; Mark 10:19
Ethical Principles (cont.) • Greatest Commandment – • "Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart…"& "Love your neighbor as yourself"(Deut 6:4 & Lev 19:18); quoted in Mark 12:29-31; etc. • Other Love Commands – • "Love your enemies" (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-35) • "Love one another as I have loved you"(John 13:34; 15:12-17; Rom 13:8; 1 Thess 4:9; etc.)
Ethical Principles (cont.) • Golden Rule – • "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matt 6:12; par. Luke 6:31) • Related: "forgiving others" (Matt 6:12-15), "not judging others" (Matt 7:1-5), striving to be like God (Matt 5:48; Luke 11:2-4; cf. Lev 11:44-45). • Conscience – • Priority of individual conscience (follow “Inner Voice”) • Obligation to develop an "informed" conscience
Sexual Morality • Dual Purpose of Sex • Consistent Ethic of Life • Central Role of Family • Mutuality in Human Relationships
Social Ethics • Dignity of Each Person • Preserve the Common Good • Work, Participation, Property • Care of the Poor/Needy