Title: PRUDENCE AND THE FUTURE: AN ECUMENICALLY SHAPED ETHIC
Abstract: Introduction concise article on by Jose Miguez Bonino in the Dictionary of the Ecumenical Movement identifies several of the questions that concern us in the present essay. (1) One section of Bonino's article offers a helpful summary of in the Ecumenical Movement. (2) He noted that the distinction between individual and social morality has lost its precision; (3) moral methodologies vary; the hermeneutical questions on the interpretations of scripture and tradition impact these methods; underlying anthropological and ecclesiological issues must also be addressed; (4) and there is need for a holistic approach. The ecumenical movement is far from having developed a coherent theological approach or clear ethical criteria for facing such [specific moral] issues, but they will undoubtedly figure prominently in the future. (5) In what follows I will suggest that virtue ethics is one holistic approach to ecumenical morality, give some extended consideration to the virtue of prudence, and propose that the North American Academy of Ecumenists regularly set aside meeting time to clarify moral issues. Ecumenical Documents on Morality Bonino mentioned that little attention has been given to these ethical questions in the ecumenical dialogues. (6) Michael Root discusses the documents that are available in a presentation elsewhere in this issue of J.E.S. (7) I think it important to mention that the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue, in its 1993 statement Life in Christ: Morals, Communion, and the Church, (8) contended that Anglicans and Catholics are rooted in the same fundamental moral values. (9) In particular, At its deepest level, the response of the Church to the offer of new life in Christ possesses an unchanging identity from age to age and place to place. In its particular teachings, however, it takes account of changing circumstances and needs, and in situations of unusual ambiguity and perplexity it seeks to combine new insight and discernment with an underlying continuity and consistency. (10) Esteem for the virtue of prudence is common to both communions. (11) authors close their document by calling for more bilateral discussion of moral issues. (12) Joint Working Group of the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in The Ecumenical Dialogue on Moral Issues, believes that there is an urgent need to find ways of dealing with moral issues. (13) Working Group believes that the treasures of the moral life may be unnoticed. They offer ten specific guidelines for the dialogues that need to take place. They call for an honest dialogue and state that should never demand that fellow Christians with whom we disagree compromise their integrity and convictions. (14) Attentive concern for the complexities of moral life should not cause Christian to lose sight of what is most fundamental for them all: starting and ending point is the grace of God in Jesus Christ and the Spirit as mediated in the church and in creation. Our life in God is the fundamental continuing source of our movement toward deeper koinonia. One God initiating and sustaining grace enables Christians to transcend moral differences, overcome divisions, and live their unity in faith. (15) Both the statements of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue and the Joint Working Group refer to the virtues. We now turn to them. Virtue Ethics Brian Johnstone, in an article on moral methodology, contended that an adequate moral methodology needs internal coherence. (16) There must be coherence among the varied elements in the moral system. In this regard, I would note that moral issues are not separate from one another but are linked. Arguments appropriate to one issue might also apply to others as well. Johnstone made a crucial distinction: It is, in any case, necessary to distinguish between permanent ethical principles, contingent historical judgments and directives for action. …
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-06-22
Language: en
Type: article
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