SMC SENIOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP 1
ETHICS
ETHICS
Ethics is about how we decide what is right and what is wrong. “Ethics is the study of everyday
behaviour” and so involves every aspect of our lives, (The Revd Phil Edwards, Christian Ethics,
2008).
Ethics deals with what is morally right and wrong (Peschke, K.H., Christian Ethics: Moral
Theology in the Light of Vacation II, P.346)
Since Ethics is a broad topic, this paper will focus on some of the Christian Ethics.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Christian ethics deals with what is morally right and wrong for a Christian., (Peschke, K.H.,
Christian Ethics: Moral Theology in the Light of Vacation II, P.346)
The Bible is the witness to the central events of the faith not to every element with the faith and
not every problem with which the believer may be concerned (Unknown)
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Definitions:
Morality is used to describe our principles or convictions about what is right and wrong
and our ultimate values
Ethics or moral philosophy refers to the study of those principles and values, analyzing
them critically and working out how we make decisions
Applied or practical ethics is the way we apply ethical theories to practical situations
Christian ethics often begins with the specific situation and asks what principles should
apply in this case
FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS
The primary and final authority for Christian ethics is found in life, teachings, ministry and death
of Jesus Christ as the revelation of God.
In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the messiah through whom God communicated His Moral Laws to
people on earth. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the final authority of Christian ethics- “For He
Compiled by MG Falesi Chiziwa Kaonga, Malamulo SDA Church, Box 100 Makwasa, Malawi
SMC SENIOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP 2
ETHICS
(Christ) whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by
measure.
All through the Bible runs the faith that holds God as the example and following Him is the key
to ethics. In the Old Testament, God said, “For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore
consecrate yourselves and you shall be holy; for I am holy.” Likewise in the New Testament,
Jesus affirmed the same as follows- “You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is
perfect, (Matthew 5:17; John 3:34-36; Leviticus 12:17 and Matthew 5:48) (Unknown Author,
chapter 9).
Thus, in Christianity, God is the Perfect Model of morality; He told His people what is good and
what is evil; he set the moral norms and what a Christian will have to do is nothing but follow
the god-setting moral pattern in humble submission- “He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you ;But to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly
with your God.” (Micah 6:8) (Ibid)
In Christianity, Jesus has formulated a very high standard of morality for his followers on love
and forgiveness including non-resistance of evil and love of enemies. From this, it seems that
war is not tolerated by Jesus as well as his religion. Instead, his ethical teachings put emphasis
upon making peace and harmony.
He commanded his disciples not only to love peace, but also to make peace. He confers blessings
upon those who are peacemakers, the blessing being called the children of God (Matthew 5:9)
MARRIAGE AND CHRISTIANITY
Marriage in Christianity is regarded as a life-long commitment till death separates the two. The
life-long nature of marriage can be seen from Matthew 19:6 where Jesus said that God joined
man and woman together and as such no one can put them asunder.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Lastly, Christian ethics as a system grounded on God’s will as well as His commandments.
In leading a moral life, every Christian should become the epitome of these and anyone who
lives in this way can expect for the attainment of God’s Kingdom, the final goal of Christian
morality.
Compiled by MG Falesi Chiziwa Kaonga, Malamulo SDA Church, Box 100 Makwasa, Malawi
