Abstract

VORSTER, Jacobus M.. A Christian-ethical metatheory for today: A classic Reformed perspective. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2025, vol.59, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v59i1.3173.

The aim of this article is to contribute to the development of a metatheory of Christian ethics from the perspective of the classical Reformed Theological tradition. In contrast to the moral relativism advocated by modern liberal ethical patterns of reasoning, as well as the plea for an exclusive focus on divine command ethics characteristic of contemporary evangelicalism, this study proposes a biblical ethics determined by various contexts. These contexts include the cultural-historical context of Scripture, its canonical context, its congruent theological framework as well as the modern social context and a context of crisis. When all these contexts are considered, the Christian moral agent may discern moral norms through the implementation of the ethical theories of deontology, virtue ethics, and consequentialism. Christian ethics should therefore not be reduced to either moral relativism or sole divine command ethics. CONTRIBUTION: Engaging Scripture within all its contexts and defining norms for modern social and crisis contexts leads to obedience to clear biblical norms, while also acknowledging the reality of adiaphora, the imperative to imitate the attitude of Christ, and living within the sphere of the freedom of a formed Christian conscience

Keywords : Classic Reformed Theological tradition; moral relativism; divine command ethics; cultural historical context of the Bible; canonical context of the bible; salvation history; revelation history; deontology; consequentialism; virtue ethics; Christian conscience.

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