Christian Ethics (book)
 Cover of the 1967 edition | |
| Author | Ismail al-Faruqi |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Christian ethics, Comparative religion, Islamic studies |
| Published | 1967 |
| Publisher | McGill University Press |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 333 |
| ISBN | 9780773592711 |
| OCLC | 450143 |
| Preceded by | On Arabism: 'Urubah and Religion (1962) |
| Followed by | Islam and the Problem of Israel (1980) |
Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas (1967) is a scholarly work by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, first published in 1967. It explores Christian ethical thought from both historical and systematic perspectives, analyzing its development and key ideas.[1] This work is part of a broader series by al-Faruqi that examines religious and ethical principles across different faiths.[2][3]
Background
Al-Faruqi was a scholar in Islamic studies and comparative religion. His work in Christian ethics aimed to understand and critique the foundational moral concepts within Christianity from a comparative perspective. The book was developed during his time at McGill University, influenced by scholars such as Wilfred Cantwell Smith and Stanley Brice Frost.[2][3] He believed that reason was the primary basis for academic dialogue, which led him to affirm Islamic principles, and saw ethics as a suitable area for this discussion.[3] His goal was to provide a comprehensive critique of Christian ethics, positioning it within the broader context of religious and ethical studies.[4]
Contents
The book is divided into several chapters, each addressing different aspects of Christian ethics and its evolution through history.
The Jewish Background
This chapter sets the stage by exploring the Jewish context in which Jesus' teachings emerged. Al-Faruqi discusses Hebrew racialism, the political and social circumstances of Jesus' time, and the ethical norms prevalent among the Jewish people.[1]
The Ethical Teachings of Jesus
Al-Faruqi examines the ethical teachings of Jesus, focusing on how they diverged from Jewish norms. This chapter covers Jesus' approach to politics, social issues, family, personal conduct, and cosmic concerns. Al-Faruqi emphasizes Jesus' emphasis on the intention behind actions rather than merely following the law.[1][3]
Christian Legalism and Ethical Breakthrough
This section contrasts the teachings of Jesus with later Christian legalism. Al-Faruqi critiques the development of Christian doctrine that, according to him, diverged significantly from Jesus' original message. He draws parallels between the ethics of Jesus and Sufi traditions, highlighting similarities and differences.[4]
The Christianist Transvaluation
Al-Faruqi explores how Christian ethics were transformed and adapted through history, particularly during the Reformation and in modern Christianity. He discusses the changes in the understanding of sin, salvation, and the concept of the imago Dei (image of God). This chapter critiques the evolution of these ideas and their impact on Christian thought.[1]
Sin and Salvation
This chapter delves into the concepts of peccatism (the idea of inherent human sinfulness) and saviorism (the belief in Jesus as the redeemer). Al-Faruqi contrasts these with Islamic views, arguing for a more rational and coherent approach to understanding sin and salvation.[2][3]
Meta-Religion and Logical Consistency
Al-Faruqi introduces the concept of meta-religion, a set of principles for evaluating religious systems. He emphasizes the importance of logical consistency and coherence in religious thought, critiquing Christian theological paradoxes and advocating for a rational approach to religious doctrine.[3]
The Role of Epochè
Al-Faruqi uses a methodology called Epochè, or religio-cultural disengagement, which involves studying religious phenomena without preconceived notions. He explores the Jewish background of Jesus' teachings, contrasts them with Jewish law, and draws parallels between Sufi and Christian ethics. The book critiques developments in Christian doctrine that al-Faruqi believes diverge from Jesus' original teachings. He introduces the concept of meta-religion, a set of principles for evaluating religious systems, emphasizing logical consistency and the dual realms of being (ideal and actual).[2][3] This concept involves disengaging from one's own beliefs and traditions to fully understand the beliefs and religions of the subject being studied.[3] Al-Faruqi's method of Epochè is fundamental in his comparative study, allowing for an unbiased critique of Christian ethics.[4]
Table of Contents
| Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas | |||
| Main Sections and Subsections | |||
| Part One: What is the Ethic of Jesus? | |||
| I The Jewish Background: Jewish Ethic | Hebrew Racialism | ||
| Hebrew Scripture as a Record of Hebrew Racialism | |||
| The Ethico-Political Situation at the Time of Jesus | |||
| II The Ethical Breakthrough of Jesus | In Reaction to Jewish Ethic | ||
| The Ethic of Intent | |||
| The Final Disposition of the Law | |||
| The Content of Self-Transformation | |||
| III Dialectic of the New Ethic | The Old Values and the New | ||
| In the Realm of the Political | |||
| In the Realm of the Social | |||
| In the Realm of the Family | |||
| In the Realm of the Personal | |||
| In the Realm of the Cosmic | |||
| IV The Sufi Parallel | The Parallelism | ||
| Its Explanation | |||
| Part Two: The Christianist Transvaluation | |||
| V What is Man? The Imago Dei | In Hellenic Christianity | ||
| In Pre-Reformation Christianity | |||
| In the Reformation | |||
| In the Christianity of Modern Times | |||
| VI What Ought Man to Be? Sin and Salvation | Man is a Fallen Creature: Peccatism | ||
| The Jewish Background | |||
| The Christianist Transvaluation of the Jewish Idea of the Fall | |||
| Sin in the Gospel | |||
| Sin in the Teaching of Paul | |||
| Sin in the Teaching of the Apostolic Fathers | |||
| Sin before Augustine | |||
| Augustine: The Exemplar of Peccatism | |||
| Sin in the Reformation | |||
| Peccatism and Contemporary Christian Thought | |||
| Man is Reconciled: Saviourism | |||
| Christianity is the Religion of Redemption | |||
| The Nature of Saviourist Salvation | |||
| VII What Ought Man to Be? Church and Society | Christianism and Society | ||
| In Traditional Theology | |||
| In Modern Theology | |||
| The Case of William Temple | |||
| The Case of Karl Barth | |||
| In the Theology of the Future | |||
| The Lack of Societist Foundations and the Split Consciousness of Western Man | |||
| The Societist Transvaluation | |||
| The A-Societism of Reinhold Niebuhr | |||
| Conclusion | |||
| Epilogue | |||
| Index of Subjects | |||
| Index of Biblical Quotations | |||
| Index of Authors and Book Titles | |||
Themes
The primary themes of the book include the interiorization of ethics, self-transformation, and the evaluation of religious doctrines. Al-Faruqi addresses the concepts of peccatism (the idea of inherent human sinfulness) and saviorism (the belief in Jesus as the redeemer), contrasting these with Islamic views. He critiques the use of paradox in Christian theology, advocating for a more rational and coherent approach to religious doctrine.[2][3] Al-Faruqi described Jesus’ observation about the Jews’ Law as a community, noting that their agreed values were not ethical but rather "a cod of utility."[3] His critique of Christian theological paradoxes aims to highlight the need for a more consistent and rational ethical framework.[4]
Publication
Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas was first published in 1967 by McGill University Press. The publication was supported by various academic and philanthropic institutions, including the Rockefeller Foundation. The book has been recognized as a significant contribution to the field of comparative religion and ethics, highlighting the intersections between Islamic and Christian moral philosophies.[2][3][4]
References
- ^ a b c d Al-Faruqi, Ismail Raji (1999). Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas. Kuala Lumpur: A.S. Noordeen.
- ^ a b c d e f Idrisi, Fathiyyatunnur (January 2022). "Christian Ethics: A Review from the Perspective of Al-Faruqi". Journal of Fatwa Management and Research, Special Edition. 27 (2): 1–9.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mohd, Siti Hadija (2023). "A Structured Critical Analysis of Al-Faruqi's Christian Ethics". Preprint. Kuala Lumpur.
- ^ a b c d e Shehu, Fatmir (2023). "Investigating Ismāʿīl Rājī al-Fārūqī's Methodology in the Study of Christianity through Selected Textual Analysis from His Christian Ethics". Intellectual Discourse. 31 (1). International Islamic University Malaysia Press: 31–55.
External links
- Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas in PDF
- Ismail Faruqi Online Website on the life and works of Dr. Isma'il al Faruqi