Biblical Ethics Rae, Ch. 2

Ethical Systems 1.Deontological systems Based on principles in which actions (or character, or even intentions) are inherently right or wrong. 2. Teleological systems Based on the end result of an action. –The consequences determine whether something is right or wrong.

Old Testament Ethics Combines both of the major categories mentioned earlier –The Law and Prophets appeal to basic principles (deontology). –as well as the consequences of their actions. (teleological/utilitarian). –The Wisdom material appeals to both as well

Appeals to natural law (deontological) –Proverbs appeals to nature and human relationships. –“Oracles to the Nations” – appeals to a law that nations seem to be aware of. Appeals to self-interest (teleological) – keep the covenant law – blessings and cursings.

The Law (Torah) –The 10 commandments –The Law of Moses – Exod / Lev / Deut. –Three basic types: moral law civil law ceremonial law

The Prophets appeal to the laws of the covenant but rarely refer to specific laws. –The Prophets encourage justice. –The Law specified what justice is and listed consequences.

Theocracy – where the law of God is the law of the land. –Morality is legislated – specifics determined by the law of God. –No distinction between the law and morality. –No distinction between personal and social ethics. –In other systems there is a distinction. Adultery; lying; abortion; etc. Murder – wrong on both levels: personal / social

Holiness as a Unifying Theme Holiness = “set apart” –The people are “set apart” in order to show the world who God is and what God is like. –The idea of “set apart” is not the idea of not having anything to do with the world, otherwise how would we communicate who God is? –Reflect the character of God in worship, institutions, and social relations.

Worship –Israel was not to worship other gods. –Israel was not to practice rituals similar to other nations. Sorcery, spiritism, witchcraft, divination – all associated with Canaanite religions Human sacrifice Sexual immorality

Institutions: Israel was to be different from other nations. –The king was not to be considered divine. Must not acquire great wealth, military power (Deut. 17:16-17). –Women captured in battle were to be treated humanely and with respect (very different in other nations) – Deut. 21: –Slaves were to be treated differently – released after 6 years with provisions (Deut. 15:12-18).

Social dimensions of Old Testament Ethics –The Law mandated individual behavior and so it structured society as well. Much of the law is civil law – property laws, etc. E.g., Lev. 19 Lev. 25, Year of Jubilee. –The prophets deal with social dimensions of the law as well. Oppression, perversion of justice, exploitation of the poor.

Imitatio dei – Lev 19:2 –“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” This principle is applied to several areas of life in Lev. 19. –Worship –Farming practices –Relationships with others – no stealing, lying –Love your neighbor as yourself. –Family relationships.