Introduction
Ethics is a fundamental aspect that must be observed in all fields (Shank, 2006). It plays an important role in the attainment of progress and success (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008). Clergies are mandated to offer spiritual guidance to the Christian regarding the values of Christianity and spirituality. In addition, they guide Christians, authorities, and the entire public on the values that purport humanity. To accomplish their roles, some clergies, such as bishops, deacons, and priests are mandated to forego some fundamental human needs such as marriage. They, also, work under designated rules which are stipulated to purport good moral behaviors. As a result, the clergies are required to observe these behaviors to set a good example to the Christians. Some clergies fail to follow these rules evoking critical ethical issues in their respective societies. This paper will focus on how clergies should embrace ethics and integrity.
Sexual Ethics
Christians expect clergies to become good role models regarding spiritual and moral life. Sexual conduct is one of the most crucial aspects that define the morality of human beings. Consequently, clergies must embrace good sexual behaviors to create confidence among their followers. However, various denominations have defined different requirements regarding sexual conduct. For example, priests and bishops are not allowed to marry (Wickham, 2009). This ensures that they pay complete attention to their roles. The church expects them to abstain from any sexual relationship with women. However, some clergies contravene with this rule by having sexual relationships with even multiple partners. In other denominations, pastors are allowed to marry and have families. This implies that they must be faithful to their husbands and wives. Nonetheless, some pastors have other sexual relationships besides their marriage. This is an ethical issue that has impacted the effectiveness and reputation of pastors in the entire world. In this regard, the clergies should observe their sexual conduct to purport confidence and become good role models to the Christians.
Materialism
Materialism has become a great challenge to people in the modern world. They are craving money rather than the values purporting morality and spirituality. This has been evident in various religions since Christians have embraced this behavior. Churches have become a place where people outsource money (McMinn & Kerrick, 2008). It has surprisingly changed into a business opportunity. Pastors are starting churches randomly claiming to spread the word of God. However, they start these churches to get wealth through church contributions and offertory. Some clergies indulge in corrupt practices which are conjoined to materialism. For instance, clergies demand money from Christians, who want to get their services, such as child baptism and attending burial ceremonies. Clergies have, also, been paying people to give false testimonies in the church to convince their fellow Christians that they are capable of healing. It is, therefore, evident that they use churches as a tool for elevating their social status rather than developing spirituality in society. This has compromised the essence of Christian values which purport voluntary services to God, humility, and honesty. In addition, it has reduced the trustworthiness of people towards the clergies and God.
Conclusion
Ethics is essentially important while relating with other people (Patton, 2002). Ethics ensures that the conducted activities are credible and reputable (Schram, 2006). This implies that clergies must embrace ethics to gain the confidence of Christians. They should, therefore, avoid any behavior that contravenes the values of Christianity and spirituality.
References
McMinn, M., & Kerrick, S. (2008). Positive Coping Among Wives Of Male Christian Clergy. Pastoral Psychology, 56(4), 445-457. doi: 10.1007/1108900801225.
Patton, M. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Schram, T. (2006). Conceptualizing and proposing qualitative research (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Shank, G. (2006). Qualitative research: A personal skills approach. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Trochim, W., & Donnelly, J. (2008). The research methods knowledge base. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Wickham, L. (2009). A Noble Task: Entry Into The Clergy In The First Five Centuries. International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church, 9(2), 153-155. doi: 10.1080/14742250902931125.