RELIGIONS AND BEHAVIOR

Religions and behavior

Religions and behavior

Ethics and morals are behavioral principles in humans that determine what is right and what is wrong. As per the belief of a common man, Christianity is a religion that is bound by a certain set of rules and regulations that have been imposed by the Almighty. A Christian is required to follow these principles that impose a sense of morality and a specific ethical behavior in the individual. Does being a Christian have implications for one's behavior? How should the Christian behave? Is there such a thing as a Christian ethic? Can we reasonably discover guidelines or construct a set of principles to guide the life of the Christian? If Jesus is the model we have chosen to emulate, what does that imply about attitudes, values and style of life of the self-identified Christian? (Tucker, Karen; Wainwright, Geoffrey, 2006)

In which religions is the family central to the religion?

I personally studied christianity and I came to know that in common usage the term Christian is applied carelessly and generally, as in Christian nation to mean Western nation or Christian family or a good Christian woman to mean those who regularly attend church or have typical middle class values. To the Fundamentalist Christian the term Christian is limited to those who hold the Fundamentalist's particular belief in personal salvation which they refer to as “being born again” and they intend their use of Christian to exclude the majority of those who belong to the mainstream (non-Evangelical) Christian denominations. Ethical practices in Christianity evolved during the Roman era. This was the period when early Christians were a part of Roman Empire. Ethics in Christianity are primarily centered on grace, mercy and forgiveness. A Christian is expected to have thoughts and deeds that are respectable and honorable and must abstain from doing any sins. The three virtues indicated in Bible include faith, hope and love. However, another four cardinal virtues were adapted by Aquinas that includes justice, courage, temperament and prudence. (Tucker, Karen; Wainwright, Geoffrey, 2006)

According to the New Testament, God is the supreme power who is autonomous, independent and is self-existent. Individuals should have complete belief and love towards God with unfettered heart, mind, strength and soul. The New Testament directs individuals to love neighbors as one would love oneself. Morality refers to good and evil. Religion of Christianity states that good exists only is God. There is no other form of legitimate, genuine and absolute “Good” except the God Himself. It is God who reveals Himself and He can only define His character of goodness. One can have complete understanding and knowledge of goodness if they know God through Jesus Christ. Goodness is not a static structure. It is a dynamic state that constantly flows. (Tucker, Karen; Wainwright, Geoffrey, 2006)

Which of the religions you have studied seems to be most focused on behavior and deeds?

This means that in modern times, the question of ethics and morality in Christianity is being seriously ...