This article is concerned with the relationship between morality and religion. Is this an external relation in the sense that morality does not have any affinity with religion, meaning religion could only play the role of a kind of superstructure over morality? Alternatively, the autonomy of morality could be given a theological foundation. Both options are dissatisfying. The author argues for a different view. There is, according to his account, an internal relation between morality and the dimension of human experience with which religious practice and thinking are concerned. The Christian perspective on human life has to be articulated with regard to such an internal relation between morality and religion. This tie between morality and religion is rendered obscure by the tendency, widespread in modern ethical theories, to reduce morality to moral actions. Countering this tendency, the author argues for the claim that the religious dimension of morality is not to be found in actions, but in certain kinds of behaviour - e. g. love, kindness, friendliness - having a spiritual dimension (Gal 5,22). This has important implications for the conception and the scope of theological ethics.

Enthalten in:
Theologische Literaturzeitung; 2012/4 Monatsschrift für das gesamte Gebiet der Theologie und Religionswissenschaft (2012)

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Serie / Reihe: Theologische Literaturzeitung

Personen: Fischer, Johannes

Schlagwörter: Moral Religion Ethik