Ethical Application

Description

The specific issue that I want to discuss from our readings and dig further into is Self-Sacrifice. In the actual section written on self sacrifice in Biblical Ethics, it is very minimal. There is a brief description on self-sacrifice, then moves along, reasoning with other applied ethics. “Self- sacrificially laying down one’s life for another is not sinful suicide. If it were, God himself would be the guiltiest. No one took Christ’s life from him. He laid it down of his own volition ( Jn 10:18).1” While it may be a quick glance for some others, it can be very pressing for some when addressing why exactly it was their best friends and family members that have died for a noble and worthy cause. Within the applied ethics of self-sacrifice, the ethical theory of Divine Nature plays a significant role to assist in the reasoning of self-sacrifice. When connecting Divine Nature to self-sacrifice, one needs to come to an immediate understanding, everyone dies. There is a 100% chance that one day you will die. When there is an establishing statement that proves there is an certain conclusion for everyone involved, clarity is formed. There are some situations where we have the ability to choose exactly how we want to live and sometimes exactly how we want to die. Divine Nature is an ethical theory that is based on the truth of God desiring us to have a heart that is morally and ethically based in Him. This ethical theory calls the individual to live selflessly, loving God and loving others. Dedication to follow this ethical path through thick in thin unveils a heart that is devoted towards God, and a life given to God’s word entirely.  The life that has been proven to be most fulfilling is one founded through humility, service, and gratitude. No matter the environment handed to the individual, they chose to live selflessly. The less value one places into their own personal gain, and placing energy into helping another seek fulfillment leaves their life with a better understanding on what it means to truly live a meaningful life. God call us to be sacrificial, not just in harsh situations but all around. This sacrifice can be as extreme as dying in place of another, or abandoning your personal time in order to help someone in need. These are defining moments of true human character that connect why self-sacrifice is so well connected to Divine Nature.  “After all, didn’t Jesus sacrifice himself for the wellbeing of all humanity, one man being killed for the salvation of many?2” This is a very important viewpoint to have. Self-sacrifice is reflected within the word and resonates throughout history. It takes away selfishness and replaces it with heroism and virtuous character. A very strong counterargument can be within the individual committing self sacrifice. If death is inevitable for everyone, why should an individual compromise their own for another, everyone is going to die correct? The response to this argument can be broken down very simply, and that is based in character. A counter question would be, who exactly do you want to see as the continuation of humanity? Do we want to live selfishly, or do we want to make the decisions that can impact humanity for years to come? Jesus laid down his life not because He did not care about His welfare, He cared more for the continuation of humanity planted in forgiveness and love. Society does not view this as pure tragedy, but promise in how humans live their lives with purpose and all-encompassing love. Footnote 1 J. Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, “Chapter 23: Suicide, Euthanasia and Other Medical Ethical Considerations,” in An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1989), p. 386. 2 MICHAEL SCOTT. JONES, “Chapter Nine The Epistemology of a Christian Ethic,” in MORAL REASONING: an Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong (Dubuque, IA: KENDALL HUNT, 2017), pp. 122-123. Citations McQuilkin, Robertson, and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics : Walking in the Way of Wisdom, InterVarsity  Press, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=3316885.            JONES, MICHAEL SCOTT. “Chapter Nine The Epistemology of a Christian Ethic.” Essay. In MORAL REASONING: an Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong, 122–123. Dubuque, IA: KENDALL HUNT, 2017.