Christian Ethics play a major role in guiding different behaviors from a Christian perspective (Ed Langerak, n.d). It defines morally acceptable conduct and outlines what is considered wrong in the society in regards to Christ’s teachings. Several biblical contexts talk about ethical behavior and as Christians; we should derive our conduct from such teachings.
The first guide on ethical conduct is found in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. Ideally, the Ten Commandments guide on the relationship that should exist between people (The New King James Version). The Decalogue gives the right treatment to human rights. Therefore, when conducting research, it should not infringe on the rights of other people. Philippians 4:8 outlines what is noble, honorable, true, pure, of good reputation, lovely, and excellent. This verse continues to tell us that if one dwells in all of the afore-stated, then one deserves to be praised for such. Moreover, James 3:17 recommends wisdom from above, which has characteristics of being pure, gentle, open to reason, peaceable, is entirely made up of good fruits, and mercy. This wisdom is also sincere and impartial (The New King James Version).
When I join the concepts and ideas from the verses above, it is evident that research starts from an individual’s relationship with God since through it, one gains insight and wisdom. After that, one can use the insight in a way that does not affect other people by creating harm. Any research should bear truth, purity, honor, sincerity, and impartiality. For instance, most Christians maintain a theological basis for ethics by maintaining that universal human rights and human dignity can be derived from God who created us equally in His image. In the late 1940’s, Eleanor Roosevelt, who chaired a committee that was deliberating on universal human rights, got tired of listening to numerous disagreements between theologians and philosophers who would not reach an agreement on what should be used to guide human rights (Mele & Fontrodona, 2017). The theologians depended on ethical research based on the Bible teachings where they applied teachings to defend their stand. Christian thinkers such as Francis Shaeffer, and Carl Henry have asked Christians to become active participants in politics to increase the role of morality in public policy. This move is basically to eliminate various acts of insensitive behavior among leaders (Orr, 2007).
Response to C and D
C
Hi C, conducting research in a manner that shows willingness to learn is of great importance. I agree with your analysis of Proverbs 14:15 on prudence derived from giving thought to every thought. In Isaiah 1:18, God asks us to come and reason with Him. He is the source of true wisdom and insight as further discussed in James 3:17. Therefore, taking ample time researching and thinking of how the research is going to affect other people should be an important consideration. Ideally, research should uphold Christian morals and bear Christ’s teachings for it to relate with the ten commandments (The New King James Version).
D
Hi D, I agree with the fact that living in harmony with each other is of great importance in Christian lives. Matthew 7:12 demands us to do to others what we would want them to do unto us. Further, the verse asks us to treat everyone equally. Therefore, every simple thought and action should first be assessed to indicate whether it in turns affects other people in a negative way. Matthew 22:39 is a teaching by Jesus demanding us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves impartial (The New King James Version). Therefore, moral research should put every person into consideration.
- Ed Langerak. (n.d). What is Christian Ethics? A Guide to Ethics. Retrieved from pages.stolaf.edu/ein/christian-ethics/what-is-christian-ethics/
- Melé, D., & Fontrodona, J. (2017). Christian ethics and spirituality in leading business organizations: Editorial introduction. Journal of Business Ethics, 145(4), 671-679.
- Orr, R. D. (2007). The role of Christian belief in public policy. Christian Bioethics, 13(2), 199-209.
