Christian Ethics vs. Virtue Ethics

Attribute	Christian Ethics	Virtue Ethics
Foundation	Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible	Based on the development of virtuous character traits
Focus	Emphasis on following moral laws and principles	Emphasis on developing virtuous character
Goal	Seeking salvation and eternal life	Seeking eudaimonia (flourishing or living well)
Source of morality	Divine command or revelation	Human reason and virtue
Emphasis on rules	Rules are important for guiding behavior	Focus is on developing virtuous character rather than following rules

Introduction

Christian ethics and virtue ethics are two important ethical frameworks that guide individuals in making moral decisions. While both emphasize the importance of living a virtuous life, they have distinct differences in their underlying principles and beliefs. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Christian ethics and virtue ethics, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Christian Ethics

Christian ethics is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of following God's will and living a life that is in accordance with Christian values. Central to Christian ethics is the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, as all people are created in the image of God. This ethical framework also places a strong emphasis on love, compassion, and forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings in the New Testament.

• Based on teachings of Jesus Christ
• Emphasizes following God's will
• Belief in inherent worth of individuals
• Emphasizes love, compassion, and forgiveness

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics, on the other hand, focuses on the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtues such as courage, honesty, and integrity. This ethical framework traces its roots back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, who believed that living a virtuous life leads to eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of cultivating good habits and character traits that lead to ethical behavior, rather than following a set of rules or principles.

• Focuses on development of moral character
• Emphasizes cultivation of virtues
• Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy
• Emphasizes human flourishing

Similarities

Despite their differences, Christian ethics and virtue ethics share some common attributes. Both ethical frameworks emphasize the importance of living a virtuous life and cultivating moral character. They both reject a purely consequentialist approach to ethics, which focuses solely on the outcomes of actions, and instead emphasize the importance of the motives and intentions behind actions. Both Christian ethics and virtue ethics also prioritize the development of virtues such as love, compassion, honesty, and integrity.

Differences

One key difference between Christian ethics and virtue ethics lies in their foundations. While Christian ethics is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in the Bible, virtue ethics traces its roots back to ancient Greek philosophy. Another difference is in their approach to moral decision-making. Christian ethics often relies on divine command theory, which asserts that moral obligations are derived from God's commands, while virtue ethics focuses on the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christian ethics and virtue ethics are two important ethical frameworks that guide individuals in making moral decisions. While they share some common attributes, such as the emphasis on living a virtuous life and cultivating moral character, they have distinct differences in their foundations and approaches to moral decision-making. By understanding the attributes of Christian ethics and virtue ethics, individuals can better navigate ethical dilemmas and strive towards a more virtuous and ethical life.