What is the Christian Philosophy and What are Christian Ethics

[Josheb]

What is the Christian Philosophy and What are Christian Ethics

1) If you were asked to provide a single thesis statement defining or describing the "Christian philosophy," what would be your version of that statement? Try wording it in a single sentence but, for the sake of this discussion, I'll allow but limit the definition to one to three sentences.

2) Using the definition provided, what would you list as the basic points of Christian ethics. List the principles you think qualify as the ethics of Christianity. For the sake of this thread let's make the list at one to ten principles in length.

Please do not merely quote scripture unless the verse quoted explicitly uses the word "ethic." Use scripture to support any statement by citing the text reference in parentheses ().

Here is an example of what I am requesting using US political conservativism:

Thesis statement:

Conservatism is a political philosophy that seeks to preserve what has proven to work in society.

Ethical Principles:

1. Following the Rule of Law with the Constitution being the chief authoritative statement of that Law.
2. Mistrust of Power
3. Limited federal government, as stipulated by the Constitution.
4. Majority rule with an obligation to preserve and protect the rights of any minority.
5. Fiscal responsibility.
6. Change effected gradually based on what has previously proven to work, specified goals, and confined to the stipulations of the Constitution.
7. Reliance on all the institutions of society as viable agents of change rather than a sole reliance on the government as the chief agent of change.

I could make that list a little longer but that will serve as an illustrative example for what is being requested in this op. The point being that policies are not principles. Policies are governed by principles, not the other way around. Maintaining a balanced budget is not a principle; it's a policy arrived at through the application of already existing principles. Deciding whether or not to implement law prohibiting panhandling on traffic medians is not something a conservative would/should support if there already exist laws prohibiting that conduct. This is because there is a governing principle that restricts the expansion of government and the enforcement of existing laws over the addition of new laws that are unnecessary.

And please do not get distracted by this example. This op is about Christian philosophy and Christian ethics in the Christian Philosophy & Ethics board. Feel free to quote my content and paste it into an op in the Politics board. Have that discussion there. Thank you.



What is a thesis statement describing or defining Christian philosophy, and what are some of the basic, fundamental ethical principles thereof?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

What is the Christian Philosophy and What are Christian Ethics

1) If you were asked to provide a single thesis statement defining or describing the "Christian philosophy," what would be your version of that statement? Try wording it in a single sentence but, for the sake of this discussion, I'll allow but limit the definition to one to three sentences.

2) Using the definition provided, what would you list as the basic points of Christian ethics. List the principles you think qualify as the ethics of Christianity. For the sake of this thread let's make the list at one to ten principles in length.

Please do not merely quote scripture unless the verse quoted explicitly uses the word "ethic." Use scripture to support any statement by citing the text reference in parentheses ().

Here is an example of what I am requesting using US political conservativism:

Thesis statement:

Conservatism is a political philosophy that seeks to preserve what has proven to work in society.

Ethical Principles:

1. Following the Rule of Law with the Constitution being the chief authoritative statement of that Law.
2. Mistrust of Power
3. Limited federal government, as stipulated by the Constitution.
4. Majority rule with an obligation to preserve and protect the rights of any minority.
5. Fiscal responsibility.
6. Change effected gradually based on what has previously proven to work, specified goals, and confined to the stipulations of the Constitution.
7. Reliance on all the institutions of society as viable agents of change rather than a sole reliance on the government as the chief agent of change.

I could make that list a little longer but that will serve as an illustrative example for what is being requested in this op. The point being that policies are not principles. Policies are governed by principles, not the other way around. Maintaining a balanced budget is not a principle; it's a policy arrived at through the application of already existing principles. Deciding whether or not to implement law prohibiting panhandling on traffic medians is not something a conservative would/should support if there already exist laws prohibiting that conduct. This is because there is a governing principle that restricts the expansion of government and the enforcement of existing laws over the addition of new laws that are unnecessary.

And please do not get distracted by this example. This op is about Christian philosophy and Christian ethics in the Christian Philosophy & Ethics board. Feel free to quote my content and paste it into an op in the Politics board. Have that discussion there. Thank you.



What is a thesis statement describing or defining Christian philosophy, and what are some of the basic, fundamental ethical principles thereof?

As Christian and Church History shows, there isn't just one identifiable authoritative position for what constitutes "Christian Philosophy" or as to how any of us may insist that we prescriptively met out Logical usage, Epistemology, Metaphysics or Axiology. The only commonality among those who engage Christian Philosophy is found in the fact that they will engage in evaluation of modern and historical issues, something that all philosophers do and have done for millennia.

The same goes for "Christian Ethics," although if any of us are indeed Christians, one would suspect we'd have more in common ethically than we do in the differences of moral opinion we find among ourselves.

In the 21st Century, it's a smorgasbord of philosophical deliberations and choices we make in how we handle and appropriate Christian Theology. That smorgasbord won't go away until the Lord returns.

 

[Hoping2]

Christian ethics can be summed up with...Love God with all your heart, strength, soul, and might.
And love your neighbors as you love yourself.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

It is a personal theistic philosophy with "Love" as the central precept as exemplified in the incarnate God/man, Jesus.

 

[CoreyD]

Christian ethics can be summed up with...Love God with all your heart, strength, soul, and might.
And love your neighbors as you love yourself.

That is my response as well.

 

[com7fy8]

Philosophy of Christianity > with Jesus we can know God and real love, not only by explanation but by experiencing the realities which God Himself means by His words and ideas.

 

[com7fy8]

Christian ethics > we can not do God's rules right, except how He in His love with His creativity has us doing what He means by His rules.

 

[stevevw]

What is the Christian Philosophy and What are Christian Ethics

1) If you were asked to provide a single thesis statement defining or describing the "Christian philosophy," what would be your version of that statement? Try wording it in a single sentence but, for the sake of this discussion, I'll allow but limit the definition to one to three sentences.

2) Using the definition provided, what would you list as the basic points of Christian ethics. List the principles you think qualify as the ethics of Christianity. For the sake of this thread let's make the list at one to ten principles in length.

Please do not merely quote scripture unless the verse quoted explicitly uses the word "ethic." Use scripture to support any statement by citing the text reference in parentheses ().

Here is an example of what I am requesting using US political conservativism:

Thesis statement:

Conservatism is a political philosophy that seeks to preserve what has proven to work in society.

Ethical Principles:

1. Following the Rule of Law with the Constitution being the chief authoritative statement of that Law.
2. Mistrust of Power
3. Limited federal government, as stipulated by the Constitution.
4. Majority rule with an obligation to preserve and protect the rights of any minority.
5. Fiscal responsibility.
6. Change effected gradually based on what has previously proven to work, specified goals, and confined to the stipulations of the Constitution.
7. Reliance on all the institutions of society as viable agents of change rather than a sole reliance on the government as the chief agent of change.

I could make that list a little longer but that will serve as an illustrative example for what is being requested in this op. The point being that policies are not principles. Policies are governed by principles, not the other way around. Maintaining a balanced budget is not a principle; it's a policy arrived at through the application of already existing principles. Deciding whether or not to implement law prohibiting panhandling on traffic medians is not something a conservative would/should support if there already exist laws prohibiting that conduct. This is because there is a governing principle that restricts the expansion of government and the enforcement of existing laws over the addition of new laws that are unnecessary.

And please do not get distracted by this example. This op is about Christian philosophy and Christian ethics in the Christian Philosophy & Ethics board. Feel free to quote my content and paste it into an op in the Politics board. Have that discussion there. Thank you.



What is a thesis statement describing or defining Christian philosophy, and what are some of the basic, fundamental ethical principles thereof?

The statement I would use as the Christian philosophy would be "it is no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me". I think that sums up both Christian philosophy and ethics.

But if I had to be specific about Christian ethics then it would be following Christs teachings on morality. Which is bascally the gospel, being born again to defeat sin by having Christ in your heart. Hense "it is no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me".

 

[Josheb]

As Christian and Church History shows, there isn't just one identifiable authoritative position for what constitutes "Christian Philosophy" or as to how any of us may insist that we prescriptively met out Logical usage, Epistemology, Metaphysics or Axiology. The only commonality among those who engage Christian Philosophy is found in the fact that they will engage in evaluation of modern and historical issues, something that all philosophers do and have done for millennia.

The same goes for "Christian Ethics," although if any of us are indeed Christians, one would suspect we'd have more in common ethically than we do in the differences of moral opinion we find among ourselves.

In the 21st Century, it's a smorgasbord of philosophical deliberations and choices we make in how we handle and appropriate Christian Theology. That smorgasbord won't go away until the Lord returns.

Which is why all of the prospective participants in this thread are asked to answer the question in their own words and not fall back on history or what others have said or done.

What is the Christian Philosophy and What are Christian Ethics

1) If you were asked to provide a single thesis statement defining or describing the "Christian philosophy," what would be your version of that statement? Try wording it in a single sentence but, for the sake of this discussion, I'll allow but limit the definition to one to three sentences.

2) Using the definition provided, what would you list as the basic points of Christian ethics. List the principles you think qualify as the ethics of Christianity. For the sake of this thread let's make the list at one to ten principles in length.

Please do not merely quote scripture unless the verse quoted explicitly uses the word "ethic." Use scripture to support any statement by citing the text reference in parentheses ().

What are your specific answers to these inquiries, @2PhiloVoid?

 

[Josheb]

The statement I would use as the Christian philosophy would be "it is no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me". I think that sums up both Christian philosophy and ethics.

Great. Now flesh that out for me (no pun intended). The op asks for your short list of ethics based upon your version of the Christian philosophy.

But if I had to be specific about Christian ethics then it would be following Christs teachings on morality. Which is bascally the gospel, being born again to defeat sin by having Christ in your heart. Hense "it is no longer I that live but Christ who lives in me".

That's not very specific. Give me six specifics.

 

[Josheb]

Christian ethics can be summed up with...Love God with all your heart, strength, soul, and might.
And love your neighbors as you love yourself.

Great. Thank you for that. Now how about some specific ethics that ensue from that philosophy?

 

[Josheb]

It is a personal theistic philosophy with "Love" as the central precept as exemplified in the incarnate God/man, Jesus.

Thank you. Would you please put that "theistic philosophy with love as the central precept" into a thesis statement of the Christian philosophy? Would you then also list some specific ethics you think ensue from that thesis?

 

[Josheb]

That is my response as well.

Yes, it is very good. Would you please list some specific ethics you think ensue from that philosophy?

Philosophy of Christianity > with Jesus we can know God and real love, not only by explanation but by experiencing the realities which God Himself means by His words and ideas.

Yes, I tend to agree but the op does not ask what we can or cannot know. It asks for each respondent's statement of the Christian philosophy and a brief list of ethics consistent with, that ensue from, or correspond to what the individual believes is the Christian philosophy.

Christian ethics > we can not do God's rules right, except how He in His love with His creativity has us doing what He means by His rules.

And a brief specified list of that would be.........................? Make the list.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Which is why all of the prospective participants in this thread are asked to answer the question in their own words and not fall back on history or what others have said or done.

What are your specific answers to these inquiries, @2PhiloVoid?

The thing is, who is in a perfect position to provide "THE" Christian Philosophy? Not i. (emphasis on the diminutive "i")

However, since you asked, I'll answer in my own words:

The Christian Philosophy is centrally comprised of answering the question that Jesus posed to Peter: "... but who do you say that I am?" And in coming to answer the Christological question, emanating such as it does through and by Christ's Church within the tradition given to Peter, the Eleven and Paul, and other related 1st century Christians, we respond in repentance and faith and love, toward God and Humanity.

There. That's my encapsulated summary by which I'd daily move and breathe to fulfill and live what I read from Paul in Romans 4:23-5:11.

 

[stevevw]

Great. Now flesh that out for me (no pun intended). The op asks for your short list of ethics based upon your version of the Christian philosophy.

That would be the two greatest commandments.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

THese sum up all the moral law. Especially the 2nd greatest commandment because its basically what morality is in how we treat others. So if we love others like ourselves and do unto them what we would want done for us then this covers a multitude of sins against others.

In fact there is no morality unless it is between people. Morality is a natural sense or inclination in us because we are made in Gods image and just living together requires morality. The Isrealites found this out in the desert.

That's not very specific. Give me six specifics.

Gee your a hard task master. lol. Six lets see. Ok I mentioned the 2 greatest commandments which are to love God and your neighbour as yourself.

So the Golden Rule also applies.

Also help the poor and needy as Christ did and taught such as help widows in a practical way. Give of your time and money to help others. This is a fundemental principle of sacrificing oneself for the good of others and an example of Christ.

Being born again through the gospel would also mean proclaiming the gospel, the good news to others, The 11th step of AA is after being restored to sanity and having a spiritual awakening a recovering alcoholic or addict must then help others find the way to sobriety in sharing the message of AA. This is a fundemental principle and ethic as it is not only helping others but putting faith into action in sharing what saved you.

Another important principle is the idea of surrender and submission. That seems a dirty word to society today. But like in AA or NA the addict admits their wrongs and surrenders to a higher power which if often God. This is a continual practice for when we sin or fall short we take this to God and hand over to Him so we are transformed into a new person in Christ.

From this comes the fruits of the spirit with love being the greatest. Which ultimately brings us back to Christs example of sacrificial love and the two greatest commandments.

So
1) Love God with all your heart and mind. This relates to having a mind and heart after God in being born again. We want to please God. By making God our number 1 anchor rather than the love of money, things or even our family is the foundation for all else.
2) love your neighbour as yourself, unconditional love like Christ for others. Which underpins all morality.
3) the Golden rule which is different to loving others as yourself. It is taking the time and effort to treat others in practical ways like you would want to be treated. Heres the caatch, not just family or friends but also strangers. Especially strangers.
4) help the poor and needy in a practical way with time and/or money. As Christians and a church we should be the experts and leaders on this within society. Its our mission and obligation.
5) proclaim the good news to others. Sharing the Good news and God not only helps others but also yourself in putting your faith into action.
6) submission and surrender of self to God and others. This is a fundemental principle and ethic that the world finds hard tyo understand. Its a radical and counter intuitive way to be in a rights based political world where power and oppression is seen everywhere. But it is transformative not just for the individual in submitting to God and becoming a new person. But also in exampling Christ to the world.

I hope this is ok. Please be kind on your remarks. I feel like I am back at Uni

 

[com7fy8]

It asks for each respondent's statement of the Christian philosophy and a brief list of ethics consistent with, that ensue from, or correspond to what the individual believes is the Christian philosophy.

God is the only One capable of thinking and doing what is right. And this comes through Jesus. And this includes being able to love the best possible way. And God will only give us the best, therefore giving His very own Son and His one right love in the Holy Spirit. And only this love is right for having the best relating along with strength of God to keep us from getting hurt and suffering in cruel and nasty emotions and feelings.

Therefore; we have ethics >

Depend only on God to bring us into real loving and to protect us emotionally.

A practical rule for this is >

"Do all things without complaining and disputing," (Philippians 2:14)

Because arguing and complaining are not in God's love which has His creativity to get us what is better than arguing and complaining can get us.

And be generously forgiving; because God's love is generously forgiving; and so unforgiveness can keep us in what is not real love; unforgiveness is in Satan's spirit and kingdom where a person can attract trouble and hurts: being willing to be unforgiving can make someone a magnet for things to be unforgiving about.

God gives us rules because He knows what is and what is not done in His love. Therefore, do not get into immoral and falsely sexual stuff which is in lust for pleasure and not in sensitive sharing with God in His love.

 

[Fervent]

Capturing Christian philosophy and ethics as a proposition is bound to lead to errors. Christian philosophy and ethics is built on a person, not a proposition. Putting the entirety of Jesus Christ into a boilerplate explanation is going to fall flat, and any philosophy or ethical structure that can be called Christian must have Him as its central focus.

 

[Hoping2]

Great. Thank you for that. Now how about some specific ethics that ensue from that philosophy?

I don't feel that specific ethics will satisfy you.
The ten commandments are as specific as I will get.

Everyone has a conscience; and by Christ, we can live without offending it.

 

[CoreyD]

Yes, it is very good. Would you please list some specific ethics you think ensue from that philosophy?

That's a long list, but I'll do my best.

First, one needs to understand what love of God means.
It means that after recognizing that God is good, one lives their life in harmony with God's standards of right and wrong. Thus obedience to God takes priority over everything else.

For example, humans give advice regarding family life, health, etc.
Some say, masturbation is a healthy practice; practice safe sex - use a condom, when having sex with your "partner"; get a divorce if you cannot live peacefully with your mate; get an abortion if...
God says differently, in these matters, and others.
One must follow God's view, even when it goes against popular opinion.

Are they benefits to following God's standards?
Certainly. There are many.
Would you like a list of the benefits as well?

Another example...
Humans may believe it is right to "defend and fight for your country".
Love of God, dictates that "we must obey God rather than men". Acts 5:29

God says, "love your enemies". Matthew 5:44
Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you should love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." John 13:34
So, we obey God, and Jesus, and show love... not by going to war, and fighting people of different nationalities, but doing what God's word says at Romans 12:17-21

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore​

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”​

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.​

This allows us to demonstrate love for neighbor, by not setting out to harm them.
Instead, even when they are at war with us, we try to be at peace with them, allowing for the potential that they themselves might become peaceable.

The greatest love that we can show God, and our neighbor, is giving of spiritual gifts, which includes preaching the gospel of the kingdom, in obedience to God Matthew 24:14, which may help a neighbor to find joy in coming to know God, and his truth; kind acts toward others Hebrews 13:16.
These also bring many benefits to neighborhoods.

One benefit, is that a neighborhood that is "bad", can actually become "good", because people change their life course, for the better.
Even whole households benefit, as violent individuals become peacemakers; drunkards become sober; abusive mates become real husbands or wives... contributing to happy family life, which result in less youth abusing drugs, and or teenaged pregnancies and abortions... etc.

I hope that wasn't too long.
I can make it longer, if you want more details.

 

[Josheb]

The thing is, who is in a perfect position to provide "THE" Christian Philosophy? Not i. (emphasis on the diminutive "i")

Which is why a subjective answer was requested of everyone.

However, since you asked, I'll answer in my own words:

The Christian Philosophy is centrally comprised of answering the question that Jesus posed to Peter: "... but who do you say that I am?" And in coming to answer the Christological question, emanating such as it does through and by Christ's Church within the tradition given to Peter, the Eleven and Paul, and other related 1st century Christians, we respond in repentance and faith and love, toward God and Humanity.

There. That's my encapsulated summary by which I'd daily move and breathe to fulfill and live what I read from Paul in Romans 4:23-5:11.

Thank you for your time.