God's Purpose for Creation as the Key to Understanding the Universality and Cultural Variety of Christian Ethics

Abstract

The question in what respect Christian ethics are universal and in what respect Christian ethics may legitimately vary from one cultural context to another is a question of great interest to our worldwide church living in many different contexts. The problem is generally resolved by distinguishing between universal ethical principles and their culturally varying application. In this article it is argued that the problem is more fruitfully addressed when we understand ethics teleologically, in relation to God's goal and purpose for God's creation. In this way we can understand the universality of this goal and have a tool to analyze and evaluate the culturally varying ways in which God's purposes may be respected and aimed for, as is illustrated with respect to the African practice of the exchange of the bride price.

Teaching Ethics in the Face of Africa’s Moral Crisis: Reflections from a Guest

“… 5 Sadly, Samuel Waje Kunhiyop, who in other respects has in his ethics provided a great resources for ethical reflection on the challenges the African church faces, does not provide a positive vision of marriage, work, etc, before discussing the ethical problems one encounters in these and other areas (Kunhiyop, 2008). Elsewhere, I have argued that a proper understanding of the Christian view of the purpose of creation and human existence and of the different structures within creation will also allow us to argue for the universality of Christian ethics, while recognizing the need that this ethic takes on a different form in different cultural contexts (van den Toren, 2002). …”

“…Elsewhere, I have argued that a proper understanding of the Christian view of the purpose of creation and human existence and of the different structures within creation will also allow us to argue for the universality of Christian ethics, while recognizing the need that this ethic takes on a different form in different cultural contexts (van den Toren, 2002).…”