Christianity and Ethics

Christianity and Ethics

Introduction

We are born in an opportune time. This era is one of science, reflection, open mindedness and education. We are fortunate to be able to study people that have shaped history and formed the world as seen today. This paper briefly describes a few illustrious people in Christian history. It goes on to explain a few modern day terminologies that can be used to explain the mentioned individuals and their beliefs.

Discussion

A theologian and Latin philosopher, Saint Augustine was the Bishop of present day Algeria. He is revered all over the Christian world. Augustine introduced his own approach to philosophy and religion. He did so by using a variety of methods. He had a firm belief that Christ was essential to freedom and was pivotal in framing the concepts of original sin (TeSelle, 1970). Augustine also formed the original concept of the Catholic Church as a City of God (Durant, 1992).

Tertullian was an author from Carthage, what is now Tunisia. He credited with a vast amount of Latin Christian literature. He was born to parents in the upper class. This explains the level of his education. He is acknowledged for being the oldest existing writer to use precise terms. These include trinity and three persons and one substance. Tertullian's ideologies were initially dishonoured as heresy. His writings lay bare his educated mind. He was eventually accepted as an Orthodox Christian (Barnes, 1985).

Thomas Aquinas was an Italian priest and thought to be a model teacher for students of priesthood. Modern philosophy was structured around his ideas. These were ethics, state, metaphysics and natural law. This does not mean that everyone agreed with his ideologies. A lot of modern philosophy is a direct result of counter his proposed theories. The Catholic Church has regularly reaffirmed the central importance of Thomas' work. They believe it is vital for understanding the Christian revelation and everything concerning it. Aquinas is best remembered for Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles (Copleston, 1991).

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a name hard to forget. His undying efforts against the Nazi regime are admirable. A German Lutheran pastor, Bonhoeffer was one of the founding members of the Confessing Church. He recognized the danger Hitler posed and was also involved in top secret plans, made by the German Intelligence, to assassinate the German dictator. Unfortunately, he was arrested and sent to the gallows by the Gestapo. His death came twenty three ...