Non Violent nature of Christian Ethics - Personal Statement Example

Ethics paper Introduction If one takes a close look at the human civilization, one can not help noticing that it possesses several characteristic features that can hardly be found anywhere beyond the boundaries of the society. Indeed, one of such aspects is the increased interest towards Ethics. In addition to that, this abstract notion has been able to influence lives of the people in a direct manner and urged them to choose actions that might have had negative results for them, but were desired because they were considered to be moral. It must be noted that over the history there have been many different approach towards Ethics articulated. A good example is the existence of numerous religions. In this paper I will show that that Christian approach towards dealing with ethical issues is the closest one to my moral idea. Non violent nature of Christian Ethics To begin with, I would like to point out that I am fascinated by one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity: the use of non-violent force to prove one’s ideas (Trocmé 131). It would not be a mistake to suggest that Jesus Christ Himself should be seen as the best example of this. In the course of His earthly life He did not harm a person, yet was able to establish a new, revolutionary religion. In addition to that, His thesis about the two cheeks is truly a remarkable one: it goes against the teachings of many ethical systems that were widely popular some two thousand years ago. It is my strongest belief that the decision to refrain from violence in any form is the best beginning for any interaction between people, not matter how difficult the conflict may it. Violence will never solve any problems, it will make them worse – that is exactly why Christianity teaches. Appreciation of the idea of global community It must be noted that while different religions of the past were primarily concerned with their local cultural environment, Christianity was among the earliest movements that established a platform that did not differentiate people according to their ethnic origin. Indeed, while conversion to any other religion was often connected to adoption of some elements of a different culture, Christianity urged the believers to adopt the faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, but did not promote any particular ethnic principles. I think that this is particularly important, especially in the modern globalized world. Indeed, there is a tremendous gap between the present day and two thousand years ago, when Jesus was walking the Earth. Nevertheless, the principles that were articulated by Him fit perfectly the global community that the world is trying to build nowadays. Christianity and the Golden Rule of Interaction When one analyzes Christianity thoroughly, one will be able to see that it contains several innovative ideas that were well ahead of their times. Nevertheless, there are also several universal truths that this spiritual tradition shares with others. For example, the so called Golden Rule of Interaction is a concept that is found in many religions and Christianity is no exception. In its simplest form it can be articulated in the following words: treat others in a manner you want to be treated. Leaving aside various religious aspects, it is my strong belief that this is the best way to treat people. Indeed, in this case a good person will be able to promote kindness and others will respond one with kindness as well. The significance of forgiveness One should point out that Christianity often operates with some fundamental concepts that should be examined carefully in order to understand its true meaning. On the one hand, Christian Ethics heavily relies on the idea of sin urging the believers to flee sin as much as possible, suggesting that sins lead to Hell. On the other hand, the same spiritual tradition offers forgiveness for any sin in case a person opens one’s heart to Jesus. I am convinced that such high appreciation of forgiveness is surely a positive element in Christian Ethics. I think that every person is able to make a mistake; however, it is much better to forgive one rather then punish one as in this case everyone should be punishing everyone. That is why in order to break this vicious circle of conflicts one might utilize forgiveness, just like Christianity teaches. Christianity urges people to develop their best side It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that every person is a complex creature; that is why it is not rational to give a one dimensional evaluation of an individual. However, it is important to keep in mind that through will a person is able to influence one’s character and get rid of some aspects of it that harms others. According to Christianity, it is important to let God guide a person through life and never listen to the words of Satan that encourage a person to commit a sin. To my mind, it is extremely important to urge people to walk on the path of spiritual as well as personal perfection since otherwise the talents that are hidden will disappear. That is why I agree with the Christian teaching that it is necessary to work on one’s character and develop it. Afterlife as a way to shape one’s vision of the present life The issue of afterlife is quite important for any religious system as it have a significant influence on Ethics that is being promoted. For example, in Buddhism afterlife is presented as an almost endless series of reincarnations which provides a person chances to improve one’s karma. On the other hand, in Christianity there is no concept of reincarnation: the people are divided between heaven and hell according to the life that they lived. While some people might think that this is a rather dramatic manner to judge a person, it surely makes a person think about the future consequences of one’s action. I believe that this has a positive influence on one’s behavior. God is the moral ideal Finally, one should also note that Christianity provides a believer with a perfect example that one is able to follow. Indeed, the life of Jesus serves as an iconic way people who behave themselves in the society. What is more important is that Christians are encourages not to copy the deed of their spiritual leader, but copy the spirit of love for one’s enemies, submission to God and helping others. I think that the image of Christ is a rather powerful one and helps people to make the right choice in their lives. For example, there is even an entire movements, the member of which evaluate different actions in their lives, asking themselves What Would Jesus Do? Conclusion Having examined all the evidence which was brought up in the paragraphs above, I am able to come to the following conclusion: the ethical approach that is being promoted by Christianity is the one which reflects my own vision. There are many reasons for that. First of all, I appreciate the refusal from violence as a way to promote one’s ideas. Secondly, I believe that ethical principles that are promoted by Christianity are able to help build global community. Thirdly, the Golden Rule can be found in this spiritual tradition. I also appreciate the virtue of forgiveness and the fact that Christianity encourages people to develop their best side of character. I also think that this religion shapes actions of a person through the idea of afterlife and sets God as a moral ideal. Works Cited Trocmé, André. Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution. Walden, NY: Plough House, 2004. Print. Read More