Ethics Schools Overview: Virtue, Deontology, Consequentialism
Christian ethics encompasses various approaches to understanding moral conduct, often drawing from biblical principles and theological reflection. While not always explicitly categorized in the same way as philosophical ethics, Christian thought engages with concepts akin to virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism.
Virtue ethics, which emphasizes the development of moral character, finds resonance in biblical calls for specific virtues. The Apostle Paul, for instance, exhorts believers to cultivate qualities such as wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, contrasting these with vices [1]. In Philippians 4:8, Paul lists virtues like truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, and good report, encouraging believers to focus on "whatever virtue there is" [3]. These virtues are not merely human achievements but are understood as transformed by God's grace [1]. The Old Testament also highlights the importance of righteous living, stating that "righteousness exalts a nation" [6, 7]. This focus on character formation and the embodiment of virtuous traits aligns with the core tenets of virtue ethics.
Deontology, which centers on duties, rules, and commands, is a prominent aspect of Christian ethics, stemming from the understanding of God's revealed will. The foundation of Christian ethics is often described as "doing God's will" rather than philosophical speculation [2]. This is evident in the Mosaic Law, where God instructs Moses to teach ordinances and laws, showing the people "the way wherein they must walk" and "the work that they must do" [5]. These divine commands establish a framework of duties that believers are expected to follow. The concept of holiness, for example, is presented as God's will and encompasses all aspects of a person's life, including abstaining from sexual sin [2].
Consequentialism, which evaluates actions based on their outcomes, is less explicitly articulated as a primary ethical framework in the Bible compared to virtue or duty. However, the Bible does acknowledge the consequences of actions, both positive and negative. For instance, the proverb that "righteousness exalts a nation" implies a positive outcome for a society that adheres to just principles [6, 7]. Conversely, "vice, reigning in a nation," is said to bring reproach [6]. While the emphasis is often on obedience to God's commands regardless of perceived outcome, the wisdom literature, such as Ecclesiastes, frequently reflects on the vanity of worldly pursuits and the ultimate consequences of human endeavors [4]. Jesus' teaching of the Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" (Luke 6:31), while primarily a command, also implicitly considers the desired outcome of reciprocal treatment [8]. This rule, unique in Jesus' teaching for its foundation in love for all people, including enemies, governs behavior with an understanding of its interpersonal effects [8].
Sources
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 2:12: 2:12 we are instructed: The emphasis of this instruction falls on the positive virtues: wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. In Greco-Roman writings, these three virtues represent virtuous conduct in general. These virtues counter the Cretan vices listed in 1:12 and are transformed into thoroughly Christian qualities (see 2:13). • Paul exhorts the Cretans to bring these virtues to life, in order to make plain to their compatriots that a virtuous life derives only from God’s grace in Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:8: Summary of all his exhortations as to relative duties, whether as children or parents, husbands or wives, friends, neighbors, men in the intercourse of the world, &c. true--sincere, in words. honest--Old English for "seemly," namely, in action; literally, grave, dignified. just--towards others. pure--"chaste," in relation to ourselves. lovely--lovable (compare Mar 10:21; Luk 7:4-5). of good report--referring to the absent (Phi 1:27); as "lovely" refers to what is lovable face to face. if there be any virtue--"whatever virtue there is"”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 1 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. The inscription, or title of the book (Ecc 1:1). II. The general doctrine of the vanity of the creature laid down (Ecc 1:2) and explained (Ecc 1:3). III. The proof of this doctrine, taken, 1. From the shortness of human life and the multitude of births and burials in this life (Ecc 1:4). 2. From the inconstant nature, and constant revolutions, of all the creatures, and the perpetual flux and reflux they are in, the sun, wind, and water (Ecc 1:5-7). 3. From the abundant toil man has about them and the little satisfactio”
- Exodus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Exodus 18:19: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws,.... Both with respect to things civil and religious, which he should receive from God: and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk; the path of faith and duty, the way of truth, holiness, and righteousness: and the work that they must do; both with respect to God, and one another, the various duties and exercises of religion, everything relating to their moral, religious, and civil conduct.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:34: Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which will make them high, as a holy nation, Deu 26:19. 2. Vice, reigning in a nation, put”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pro 13:6).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 6:31: 6:31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you: While the Golden Rule appears in some form in various religious and philosophical traditions, only in Jesus’ teaching is love for all people, including enemies, the fundamental ethic that governs all behavior.”