Normative ethical theories include Christian and virtue ethics, although they take quite different approaches to concerns of morality and the “good life.” Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous character characteristics to achieve eudaimonia, also known as human flourishing, whereas Christian ethics is grounded on the teachings of the Bible and the Christian tradition. Virtue ethics emphasizes submitting to God’s will as the ultimate good. Humans confront many risks and problems that could alter their trajectory and drive them to reconsider their guiding beliefs. Metaethics is a robust new field because it gives concepts anchored in facts for analyzing ethical difficulties and generating well-informed answers. Individuals choose a broad number of solutions to better their situation and their relationships with others, all of which will rely on the circumstances of the case and their aspirations. This topic of applied ethics influences many individuals throughout the globe. Christian morality is the finest feasible framework for humans to address the severe ethical dilemmas they encounter.
Their understanding of what constitutes “good” in the world fundamentally differs. Some people may find more fulfilment in life if they embody virtues like honesty, bravery, and compassion, which is the central premise of virtue ethics. This notion of “good” is meant while addressing virtue ethics. Yet, in Christian ethics, the ultimate kind of morality is faithfulness to God’s will, as revealed in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. That’s the pinnacle of morality right there. The redemption of sinners and the building of a more fair and compassionate society are God’s purposes for humanity which are honored in light of this event for two reasons. As Christians are trying to figure out what is safe and appropriate for others, Christians should first and foremost follow their hearts and the teachings of the Bible.
Knowledge is approached quite differently by Christians and those committed to virtue ethics. The central tenet of virtue ethics is the belief that moral behavior may be acquired via introspection and applying one’s own experiences. Applying one’s virtues to suit the circumstances requires moral maturity and excellent judgment from the one applying.
Notwithstanding their differences, the two ethical systems have common ground. Open-mindedness, generosity, and boldness are just a few of the beautiful traits that may flourish when people embrace values like honesty, justice, and goodwill. Both recognize the importance of directing others correctly and actively look for opportunities to do so. Yet virtue ethics and Christian ethics are two wholly different things. One distinctive aspect of modern civilizations is religion’s role in their societies.
In contrast, Christian ethics takes God as its guiding principle and is grounded on Christian beliefs. The main objective of Christian ethics is to submit to God’s will and to accomplish his plan for mankind, whereas the main objective of virtue ethics is to become a good person1. The emphasis is another key difference between the two approaches in Christians’ life. Lastly, the moral compass of each system is distinct in a Christian’s way of life. In contrast to Christian ethics, which is based on divine revelation in the Bible and the teachings of the Church, virtue ethics is based on learning through one’s own experiences and reflections.
Christianity’s distinctive features are the product of God’s grace and loving initiative towards Christians. As a result of the Fall, all human interactions are tainted by the three sins of pride, guilt, and insincerity. Living under a sinful nature prevents us from experiencing the full goodness of righteousness. Therefore, one must instead allow the Spirit of God to work for the welfare of those who love him. It will allow the perfect fruition of righteousness’s goodness in Christians’ lives.
The latter seems sounder when comparing Christian and virtue ethics. It is because, in virtue ethics, as opposed to deontological ethics, the focus is on the development of one’s character. The emphasis on growing in moral character is one of virtue ethics’ many strengths. Individuals are given a flexible and adaptable framework for forming moral judgments by virtue ethics, which emphasizes the development of virtues. There are several applications for this framework. In addition, virtue ethics may be understood from various religious and cultural viewpoints. But, a major flaw in Christian ethics is its reliance on divine revelation. Not everyone is looking for or capable of receiving the solace and guidance that religion and faith in God can offer. Also, if individuals are too dogmatic in their adherence to the teachings of the Bible, they may lack the ability to develop their moral judgements and adjust to new situations.
After considering all these criteria, Christian ethics is the most persuasive and robust theory. While thinking about what constitutes morality and the good life, it is important to consider the perspectives supplied by virtue ethics and Christian ethics. There are some commonalities but also important differences, such as their respective approaches to defining the good, their respective claims to knowing the good, and their respective areas of concentration. Virtue ethics emerges as the victorious ethical theory because of its focus on personal growth, its flexibility in a variety of settings, and its compatibility with many religious and philosophical beliefs.
Christian ethics and virtue ethics provide compelling arguments about right and wrong, but virtue ethics is the more persuasive. Virtue ethics provides a more comprehensive justification for morality and human happiness. According to this philosophy, the key to a happy and successful life is focusing on doing the right thing and being better. It delivers a more flexible and nuanced method of expressing moral judgments that reflect the complexity and context-dependence of moral problems. It means greater room for complexity and flexibility in formulating ethical judgments.
Virtue and Christian ethics differ in their understanding of the good, how they claim to know it, their shared assumptions and practices, and other fundamental respects. Both philosophies emphasize moral development and upbringing but differ in where they find moral authority, what they think pleasure consists of, and how moral choices are made. According to virtue ethics, good is the promotion of virtues like courage, honesty, and compassion that contribute to an individual flourishing and societal progress. There are similarities between Christian ethics and Christian virtue ethics, notwithstanding their differences. Both theories emphasize the need to develop moral qualities like honesty, compassion, and self-control. Practical wisdom or discernment, which is the ability to apply general ethical principles to particular circumstances that benefit society, is also something they all think is necessary for making ethical judgments. Yet, Christian and virtue ethics have fundamental disagreements on the sources of moral authority, the things that contribute to human flourishing, and how ethical judgments are reached.
On the other hand, Christian ethics emphasizes conformity to divine instructions and moral absolutes, which may lead to a severe and legalistic approach to reaching ethical judgments. In addition, virtue ethics has been flexible enough to accommodate changing cultural and social contexts, welcoming a range of moral traditions and points of view without compromising its core commitment to character formation and social progress. As it can be shaped to fit many contexts, virtue ethics is an ethical theory that works better in today’s globalized, multiethnic society.
Reference
Horowski, Jarosław. “Christian Religious Education and the Development of Moral Virtues: A Neo-Thomistic Approach.” British Journal of Religious Education 42, no. 4 (April 14, 2020): 447–58. Web.