Module 3 - Christian Ethics
Desired Learning Outcomes: At the end of the
module, the students would have:
1. explained the meaning, significance &
Biblical basis of Christian ethics;
2. compared Christian ethics in relationship
with the two Testaments;
3. summarized the criteria, standards, and methods of Christian ethics;
4. applied the most important Christian principles in their life;
Module 3.1. Definition and Significance of Christian Ethics
A. Definition
What is Christian ethics?
1. Christian ethics is a method of determining right and wrong based on the
understanding and interpretation of the Christian message.
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Christian message. Right
and wrong in this aspect is determined by the life and teachings of Christ. To
understand what we should do or avoid in life, as well as to know what we should
believe, we must consult the life and teachings of Christ (Rudnick, 1979).
2. Christian ethics is a set of principles derived from the Christian faith by which we
act.
The Bible gives us a detailed instruction on how we should live. While God’s word
may not cover every situation in our lives, its principles give us the standards by
which we must conduct ourselves. For example, the Bible does not explicitly say
about the use of illegal drugs, yet based on the principles we learn in the Bible, we
can know that it is wrong. For one, the Bible tells us that the body is the temple of
the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God with it. (1 Cor. 6:19-20). So, by using
the principles in the Scripture, Christians can already determine what is proper for
them to do in a given situation (Geisler, 2010).
3. Christian ethics is a systematic study of the way of life exemplified and taught by
Jesus, applied to problems and decisions of human existence.
The way of life is expressed in what we say, live and practice. It is also synonymous
with our lifestyle or day to day living. The Gospels reflect Jesus’ way of life. It tells
not only what He does and says but also what early Christians believe of Him. The
way of life exemplified by Jesus is an adequate, dependable and indispensable guide
of Christians in their actions as well as in their decisions in life (Harkness, 1957).
B. Significance of Christian Ethics
Why do we need to study Christian ethics? The
following are the significance of Christian ethics:
1. Christian ethics guides Christians in making
right decision.
Normally, people make moral and ethical decisions in their life. They need light to
guide them in their problems and decisions. According to Giles, there are three
elements involved in making right decisions. These are: 1) one’s sense of values;
2) one’s belief in the dignity and worth of persons; and 3) one’s responsibility
towards neighbor. In circumstances in which we cannot determine what is right or
wrong, we need to consult Christian ethics (Giles, 1974).
2. Christian ethics helps us differentiate between what is vital and peripheral in life.
Vital signifies essential element in life, while peripheral is of minor significance. It
expresses also priorities in life, what seems to be important and not so important.
For example, health care and family concerns are vital in life. Moreover, there are
also issues like ecological bearings, human rights, and global warming that are also
equally important. These issues affect even community life. Christian ethics in this
aspect, helps people decide or weigh which concerns should be attended first and
which one should be taken later (RE 2 Manual, 2005).
Student’s Activity: List the things that are vital in
your life and the things that are peripheral. (optional)
3. Christian ethics assists people in determining
their goals in life and help them realize these
goals.
Normally, people make goals for their life. They work hard in order to realize these
goals. Christian ethics does not agree that the end justifies the means. The efforts
toward realizing the end should be coupled with the efforts towards developing good
principle, right attitude and acceptable way of life (Giles, 1974).
Student’s Activity: List 3 important goals in your life and the corresponding plan of
action that you will undertake to realize these goals. (optional)
