Christian Ethics

Jesus: His Life and Teaching

• Born into poverty and obscurity

• Gathered a large group of followers- and opponents

• Was executed by crucifixion- the punishment reserved for revolutionaries

Jesus: His Life and Teaching

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

– Luke 6:20

“Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Be merciful…”

– Luke 6:35-6

Oscar Romero

Bishop and Martyr

Jesus: His Life and Teaching“Do you know what I

have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord- and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

– John 13:12-14

Jesus: His Life and Teaching“Come, inherit the kingdom

prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me…. Just as you did it to the least, you did it to me.”

– Matthew 25:35-40

Jesus: His Life and Teaching

“If a member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.”

– Matthew 18:15

“Lord, how often should I forgive? Seven times?”

“Not seven, but seventy times seven times.”

– Matthew 18:21-22

Christian EthicsValues and Virtues

of the Christian Life• Human Dignity: respect for all human life

• Compassion: loving service to the community

• Option for the Poor: care for the neediest

For Christians, the “good life” is embodied by Jesus, who lived a life of prayer, service of God and care for the neediest in society: a life of faith, hope and love.

Saint Ignatius

• Born into wealth and privilege in the 15th century

• Underwent a radical conversion

• Gave his life to service of God- and others, in imitation of Christ

• Gathered a group of companions

• Founded a society dedicated to service of God- and others

Ignatian Values and Virtues

• Cura Personalis Personal care for the whole individual

– Character education– Spiritual formation

• The Service of Justice– The promotion of justice (causes rather than

symptoms- systemic change)– “Men and women for and with others”

• Prayer– The “Examen,” Discernment of Spirits, The Spiritual

Exercises

Christian Ethics

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God… -1 John 4:7