1. Christian Ethics SCTR 19 – Religions of the Book Felix Just, S.J.

2. Definitions Greek ethos = Latin mores –“Custom” (how people act/live) So Ethics = Morals –But practical usage often distinguishes: –Sexual Morality –Social Ethics

3. Foundational Principles Basic Moral Imperative – "Do good & avoid evil" (cf. Luke 6:27-36) Decalogue – Ten Commandments (Exod 20 & Deut 5), partially quoted in Matt 5:17-48; Mark 10:19

4. Ethical Principles (cont.) Greatest Commandment – "Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart…" & "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Deut 6:4 & Lev 19:18); quoted in Mark 12:29-31; etc. Other Love Commands – "Love your enemies" (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-35) "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34; 15:12-17; Rom 13:8; 1 Thess 4:9; etc.)

5. Ethical Principles (cont.) Golden Rule – "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matt 6:12; par. Luke 6:31) Related: "forgiving others" (Matt 6:12-15), "not judging others" (Matt 7:1-5), striving to be like God (Matt 5:48; Luke 11:2-4; cf. Lev 11:44-45). Conscience – Priority of individual conscience (follow “Inner Voice”) Obligation to develop an "informed" conscience

6. Sexual Morality Dual Purpose of Sex Consistent Ethic of Life Central Role of Family Mutuality in Human Relationships

7. Social Ethics Dignity of Each Person Preserve the Common Good Work, Participation, Property Care of the Poor/Needy