Apologetics must deal with the question of ethics. Some people find Christian teaching on this matter to be contradictory to their own perspective. Some self-consciously reject Christian views. This situation is promoted to a great extent by the moral climate of America. There has been a notable decline in the moral life of America that reveals itself in our institutions, even the church. Promiscuous sexuality has been foremost in this decline. But, it is found in all areas of life. Our children are being taught what corrupts them.
Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in his book, Democracy in America, that the American republic requires religion and a high standard of morality in order to preserve freedom. We do not now seem to possess either. Our public institutions are actually encouraging immorality. We see this situation acted out in government, the public schools, the university, finance, Hollywood, the church and so on. We can not sustain this trend without losing the republic. A republic depends on virtue and the good moral habits of its citizenry. Chaos caused by irresponsibility and criminality leads to the imposition of draconian measures by those who govern.
I Peter emphasizes the necessity for righteous behavior among Christians as the only way to provide an effective witness to the faith. Peter write that it is better for Christians to suffer persecution because of good behavior than bad. Good behavior does not represent apologetics that are promoted by what we say; but, it is a support to apologetics and witness.
Christians do not think they are perfect. This is a misapprehension by the general public. We sin and are not hypocrites. The difference is that we can go before God and repent of our sin. God is always there to give ready forgiveness. There is only one unforgiveable sin–the sin against the Holy Spirit in which we ascribe evil and alliance with the devil to Christ. To take such a view makes repentance impossible. The idea that Christians are glib about sin, perpetrating it because they know it will be forgiven is not what the church teaches. Repentance must be serious; yet, when we sin again we will receive the forgiveness God promises.
Ethics is not without a solid basis. Many references in the New Testament including Saint Peter make clear what is right and wrong. Yes, it is true that some situations call for careful consideration, because a good ethical choice is not immediately apparent; but, we need a basis for ethics and a code to reflect on right and wrong. The commandments, the teachings of Jesus, the appeals in the New Testament letters, especially Saint Paul, give much guidance on what is right and wrong. The basis of our ethics is the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. We also have a pagan literature that have informed Christian ethics, for example, the practice of virtue and the avoidance of vice. Christian ethics includes such virtues as humility, not found in the literature of Greece and Rome. The Old Testament provides input into this ethical reflection that includes, most importantly, the Ten Commandments and the prophets. The basis of all Christian ethics is the command of God.
America has become an amoral (completely lacking morals) and immoral (opposing the moral structure of society by maintaining bad behavior is better) country, at least among those of the elite who speak for the citizenry. Their voices need not be loud; because, they are so influential. Apologetics must address this situation. The early Christians were accused of immoral behavior; but, ironically, practiced the highest moral conduct. They were accused of incest; because, they called each other brother ands sister and were thought to have orgies in the dark; they were accused of cannibalism because of Holy Communion in which the body and blood of Christ are consumed. The Lutheran teaching is that we consume the glorified body and blood of Christ both orally and otherwise (This is not cannibalism). Christians were called atheists; because, they rejected the pagan pantheon (hierarchy of gods). On the other hand, the pagans exposed babies and were known for promiscuity. Many of the emperors led violent and immoral lives (ex. Caligula and Nero). Hearsay is always damaging. The Christians were victims of hearsay.
There is, however, room for some common ground between our own pagans and Christians. In many ways, ancient pagan philosophy reflected a high morality, at least, on some matters. In the Divine Comedy Virgil, the pagan who wrote the Aeneid, serves as guide to our author through hell and purgatory. He only leaves off when Dante enters heaven. Modern pagans also can promote virtue.
The notion that Christians should not witness our moral position before government is absurd. Non-establishment as indicated in the First Amendment of the Constitution does not prohibit Christians from utilizing our moral tradition in a public way (The church is also a public institution, not private). Astoundingly, in some cases, we must defend the Christian ethic before church officials, mostly in the mainline denominations.
Non-establishment pertains to a government establishment of a religion or denomination. Witness to the government with one’s Christian ethics is not against this constitutional provision; but, such a view is defended by those who do not want any Christian witness to the government.
When we “apologize or witness” we must take our morality with us. We must be careful not to emphasize dogma without ethics.
Michael G. Tavella
October 6, 2024
