Humanitarian ethics and biblical tradition in modern Europe : the social responsibility of Christians according to the New Testament
Part of : Δελτίο βιβλικών μελετών ; Vol.26, 2008, pages 67-73
Issue:
Pages:
67-73
Author:
Abstract:
How may we bring into a fruitful dialogue humanitarian ethics on the one side and Biblical tradition on the other side? This question shall be discussed in listening to what the Bible has to say about the ethical relevance of the Biblical message. The contents of ethical instructions in the Bible have a long previous history. Their traditions are rooted both in the Old Testament-Jewish tradition and in the world of Greek philosophy. How can Christians learn from these traditions? The apostle Paul answers: « Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things» (Phil. 4:8).The passage of Romans 13:1-7 gives some leading guidelines how Christians have to practise their social responsibility. Here the apostle Paul is developing an aspect of early Christian exhortation, speaking to the church about how Christians should conduct their lives in the world and practise their social responsibility.In the course of history the structures of political order have undergone fundamental transformations with the result that in the modern democratic state neither the relationship of emperor and subject that was presupposed by early Christianity nor the sacrosanct authority of the ruler in the time of the Reformation any longer exists. Nevertheless Biblical ethics is still valid under the conditions of modern government. So we have to draw some conclusion s in order to understand what Biblical tradition teaches us about the responsibility of Christians and of citizens in our society, and that means: in modern Europe. It will be our task and duty as Christians and citizens to do what is good and acceptable and perfect ("Rom. 12,2). Going this way we shall practise our social responsibility and honour and praise the merciful God in Christ Jesus.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Notes:
Αφιέρωμα: Η Αγία Γραφή και ο σύγχρονος ευρωπαϊκός πολιτισμός
