The nature of Theological Ethics is often misunderstood. Describe some common
misunderstandings concerning what theological Ethics involves. Also provide a valid
definition of Theological Ethics.
1.1 Ethics is not simply drawing up two lists
Firstly when we speak of ethics the notions right, wrong, good and bad come to mind but this does not
mean that ethics is simply drawing up two lists which tells us what is right and the other what is wrong.
Hence Kretzschmar argues that “...we have to analyse existing lists as well as ask how any given list
came to be formulated” (2004:19). This challenges us to examine the ethical prescriptions given to us
by our families, societies or churches and ask the following questions: Who has drawn up these lists
of ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’? Do their ethical judgments reflect their own personal or group interests or is
their judgement generally accepted by those outside their immediate circle? On what basis did the
person or group that drew up these lists decide which actions should be regarded as right and which
as wrong? (see. Kretzschmar 2004:19-20).
1.2 Ethics is not the simple application of the Ten Commandments
Secondly, ‘ethics is not the simple application of the Ten Commandments as given in Exodus 20:1-17
and Deuteronomy 5:1-21. The Ten Commandments must be seen in the context (this is context of
the covenant God had with the people of Israel) within which they were devised and recorded’
(see. Kretzschmar 2004:20).
misunderstandings concerning what theological Ethics involves. Also provide a valid
definition of Theological Ethics.
1.1 Ethics is not simply drawing up two lists
Firstly when we speak of ethics the notions right, wrong, good and bad come to mind but this does not
mean that ethics is simply drawing up two lists which tells us what is right and the other what is wrong.
Hence Kretzschmar argues that “...we have to analyse existing lists as well as ask how any given list
came to be formulated” (2004:19). This challenges us to examine the ethical prescriptions given to us
by our families, societies or churches and ask the following questions: Who has drawn up these lists
of ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’? Do their ethical judgments reflect their own personal or group interests or is
their judgement generally accepted by those outside their immediate circle? On what basis did the
person or group that drew up these lists decide which actions should be regarded as right and which
as wrong? (see. Kretzschmar 2004:19-20).
1.2 Ethics is not the simple application of the Ten Commandments
Secondly, ‘ethics is not the simple application of the Ten Commandments as given in Exodus 20:1-17
and Deuteronomy 5:1-21. The Ten Commandments must be seen in the context (this is context of
the covenant God had with the people of Israel) within which they were devised and recorded’
(see. Kretzschmar 2004:20).
