What is the philosophy of ethics?
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morality, or determining right from wrong. The Bible has much to say about ethics and provides divine guidance on how to live a moral life. Here is an overview of some of the key ethical teachings found in Scripture:
The Source of Morality
The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate source and standard of morality. God’s nature is perfectly good, righteous, just and loving (1 John 1:5, Psalm 25:8, Jeremiah 9:24). As the Creator, God has authority to determine what is good and evil for His creatures (Isaiah 45:9-12). God has revealed His moral will for humanity through divine laws and principles in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This provides an objective standard that applies universally.
Moral Duty
The Bible teaches that human beings have a moral duty to obey God’s laws and commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Micah 6:8). We are accountable to God for both our actions and motives (Proverbs 21:2, Matthew 6:1-2). This moral accountability is based on the fact that God created us in His image to reflect His righteousness (Ephesians 4:24). Our fundamental duty is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-40). We also have a duty to love our neighbor as ourselves (Romans 13:9).
Virtue Ethics
The Bible emphasizes developing godly virtues such as faith, hope, love, justice, truthfulness, mercy, generosity, and self-control (1 Corinthians 13:13, 2 Peter 1:5-8, Galatians 5:22-23). Virtues reflect God’s character and form the inner motives and dispositions that guide moral behavior. Becoming Christlike in character is the goal of Christian ethics (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Conscience
Scripture teaches that God has instilled a moral conscience within every person that bears witness to God’s objective standard of right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15). The conscience convicts us when we violate our own understanding of what is right. However, because of sin our consciences are not infallible guides and need correction from the light of God’s Word (Titus 1:15-16, Hebrews 9:14).
Moral Absolutes
The Bible teaches objective moral absolutes that apply to all people in all cultures. God’s basic laws regarding human life, marriage, property, speech, and social order are universal (Exodus 20:1-17). Throughout Scripture, lying, theft, adultery, murder, injustice, and idolatry are condemned as intrinsically evil (Galatians 5:19-21). As the unchanging Creator, God requires the same virtues and prohibits the same vices for all humans in all places.
Justice and Fairness
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against partiality and favoritism (Leviticus 19:15, Proverbs 18:5). God Himself loves justice and requires His people to deal fairly with one another (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8). The Bible denounces injustice, oppression of the poor, and bribery (Amos 5:12, Isaiah 1:17, Exodus 23:6-8). God holds nations accountable for institutionalized injustice (Jeremiah 22:3, Isaiah 10:1-3).
Sanctity of Life
The Bible teaches that all human life has intrinsic value because human beings are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 9:6). Therefore, God condemns murder as a capital offense (Exodus 20:13). He also forbids euthanasia and suicide (Exodus 20:13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Scripture protects the sanctity of life in the womb and the dignity of those who are elderly, disabled or disadvantaged (Psalm 139:13-16, Proverbs 31:8-9).
Sexual Ethics
The Bible provides moral guidelines regarding sexual behavior. Sex is a gift from God meant for marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5). Scripture condemns sexual immorality such as adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, and pornography (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). God designed marriage to reflect Christ’s loving relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Work Ethics
The Bible encourages diligence, honesty, generosity and excellence in vocation (Proverbs 10:4, Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23). Believers should work to advance human flourishing and the social good (Jeremiah 29:7, Galatians 6:10). However, material success should not be the supreme purpose in life (Matthew 6:33, Luke 12:15). Scripture condemns laziness, dishonest business practices, and profiting from others’ misfortune (Proverbs 20:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Amos 8:4-6).
Civic Responsibility
The Bible teaches that Christians have dual citizenship in God’s kingdom while living as sojourners and exiles on earth (Philippians 3:20, 1 Peter 2:11). Believers must be morally distinct from the world but also actively do good to neighbors and society (Jeremiah 29:7, Galatians 6:10). This includes submitting to governing authorities, paying taxes, and honoring those in office (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). However, the supreme moral allegiance of Christians is always to God (Acts 5:29).
Stewardship Ethics
The Bible teaches that human beings are stewards called to responsibly manage God’s world for His glory and the benefit of all people (Genesis 1:26-28). This includes caring for creation, using resources wisely, and giving generously to help those in need (Psalm 24:1, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 20:35). Believers should avoid materialism and seek contentment, recognizing that true life is found in relationship with God, not earthly wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:10, 1 Timothy 6:6-8).
In summary, biblical ethics starts with recognizing God as the supreme standard of goodness. Scripture then provides moral guidance regarding duties, virtues, justice, protection of life, sexuality, work, societal involvement, and stewardship. The goal of Christian ethics is to become Christlike and rightly reflect God’s righteousness in all areas of life. The Bible equips believers with divine wisdom to make moral decisions in a complex world.
