Significance of using Scriptures in Christian Moral Theology
Moral theology which is also referred to as Christian ethics is concerned with recognising and clarifying the ideologies that regulate the excellence of human behaviour in the context of Christian revelation. In addition, moral theology also aims at shaping the lives of Christians, through providing guiding principles significant for shaping their future. In order to accomplish its mandate, moral theology must rely on sources of understanding such as the scripture, tradition as well as human understanding (Curran, N.d). Henceforth for any study of moral theology in emphasising the dignity of Christian aptitude of the faithful and their responsibility to bring forward the fruit of assistance must be sustained by scriptural teachings. As a matter of fact, the scripture is used as a point of reference in Christian theology, for the reason that it provides an understanding on the reasons as to why certain dictates must be followed (Rziha, 2017).
The Holy Scripture is not only the basis of revelation on which faith is based on but it is also a crucial reference point for ethics. Through the bible Christians can consequently find signs and dictates of right deeds to attain fullness of life. Besides the scriptures are also responsible for the provision of the Ten Commandments which were given to Moses at Mount Sinai (Curran, N.d). While using the bible, it becomes easier to support the ideas to doing good deeds, for instance when talking about matters concerning adultery, the reference point is the bible, which has multiple information regarding those who committed adultery and how their lives ended. Furthermore, the Ten Commandments are provide significant information on how God wants his people to live and what they are supposed to do. For example, the 6th commandment states that one should not commit adultery (Cover, 2019). Through using such a commandment as a reference point for discourage adultery, it becomes clear what God wants his people to do, thus they should abstain from such acts.
A Christian is a person who replies to activity and the call of God. This consequently means that Christians should follow the dictates of God through the bible in order to lead a prosperous life (Rziha, 2017). Moreover, Christian ethical life is man’s reaction to the saving of the world by God through His son Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross so as to save all Christians from their sins, henceforth, it is required of them to follow the dictates of the lord, through following the scripture. While undertaking daily activities, it is necessary for Christians to remember the word of God which is the bible and to also read the bible and make it their companion (Curran, N.d). In Christian moral theology, the bible which is the reference point is significant for the reason that it allows Christians to not only understand what God requires them to do, but to also be close to the bible. While referring to the scripture for guiding principles, Christians are able to understand the importance of reading the bible, in the process being connected to the word of God (Rziha, 2017). When Christians become connected to the bible, it becomes easier for them to create a close relationship with God, and this is because they will be attached to the bible, thus finding themselves praying and following the dictates of the bible as their guiding principles (Cover, 2019).
Scriptures are significant for the provision of numerous unresolved problems which cannot be easily solved (Curran, N.d). According to the bible, Christians are supposed to behave in a specific way in order to remain on the right side of God. However, in situations where Christians find themselves in a dilemma it is necessary to consult the bible which offers a wide array of possible solutions which can be easily found. For example, in the event that a man finds his wife committing adultery, then the bible should be used as a means of solving the problem (Cover, 2019). Even though the bible requires Christians to forgive and forget, it also provides solutions to problems which may not seem easy to solve. In the case of adultery, the bible allows for a divorce. The severity of the mistake committed determines the cause of action to be taken, therefore it is important to rely on the bible when dealing with such a problem. Conversely, when faced by other moral challenges, the bible also provides solutions thus it becomes clear for Christians to behave in a specific way and to also solve their issues while referring to the bible.
The scripture also provides moral principles through the parables which enable Christians to think before making a decision. For instance, the parable of the mustard seed, which depicts the word of God as a small mustard seed which grows to be a huge tree (Rziha, 2017). Through this parable Christians get to understand how God’s word is and how effective it can be if used in the right way (Curran, N.d). If the mustard seed is planted in the right way it grows into a huge tree the same way as the word of God which is in the scriptures. This consequently enables Christians to understand the significance of the God’s word if taken in the right way and if they follow its dictates to the later. Through following the commandments of God, Christians are able to not only become wise and to also grow rich thus being able to avoid the challenges which they may be facing in their daily lives (Cover, 2019).
Finally, the bible is also used as a revelation of God’s intent. In Christian moral theology, the bible depicts God, and how He wants his children to live (Curran, N.d). Through sacrificing his own son Jesus Christ so as to save Christians from their own sins, God is wonderful God who should be praised and worshipped. Similarly, is only through the bible that Christians can be able to understand how what God can do and what they are supposed to do in order to get what they want in life. Also, Christians are taught to respect the word of God so that when they die they may go to heaven. Finally, through understanding the scriptures, Christians can be able to live in accordance with the dictates of God (Cover, 2019). In so doing they will inherit the richness of God. On the contrary, through following the scriptures Christians become responsible and remain focused on their cause rather than focusing on evil acts. Through abstaining from evil acts they are able to lead a responsible lives which is necessary while pursuing their own goals.
Reference
Curran, E Charles. (N.d). The Role And Function Of The Scriptures In Moral Theology: Catholic University of America Washington DC. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/2711-Article%20Text-4117-1-10-20121005%20(3).pdf
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Rziha, J. (2017). The Christian moral life: Directions for the journey to happiness.
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In Cover, M. (2019). Bridging scripture and moral theology: Essays in dialogue with Yiu Sing Lúcás Chan, S.J.
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