Moral Philosophy and Community | Ep.9
In studying moral philosophy, the ancients were seeking to come to a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. A key part of being human is living in community with other humans. Humans were created to live in community with one another. Community has a heavy hand in shaping the moral habits and practices of a person, and these habits are effect how one continues to grow as a person.
For the christian, the church should be the most important source of community. If community shapes a person, then a church community is important to ensure that one grows in a good, healthy, holy way. Community requires a physical presence, so it is not enough to simply know people or listen to sermons online. To build community it is essential to be physically present and to be present on a regular basis. A person’s regular engagement in a community is necessary for their own sake, but also for the sake of the rest of the community. Each person relies on the others for things they can provide. Everyone has been given different gifts, and they are to be used within a community.
There are two ways one may use his gifts: for God or for himself. A person’s gifts are not for himself, but are to be used in service to God and to others. Often times modern American society focuses too much on what is called “self-love.” Today what is meant by someone who practices “self-love” is someone who “looks out for number one.” Self-love has taken on a selfish meaning. If one reads Matthew 22:36-40, he will see that self-love is not mentioned as the greatest good. Men are called to love God and to love their neighbor. They are called to give of themselves for others and to place others needs ahead of themselves. One who lives in such a community will be truly happy, and will grow in ways he cannot imagine beforehand.
Because of man’s fallen nature, this type of community is not an easy one to maintain. Through sin we are often guilty of hypocrisy and rewriting the moral law to fit our desires. The world is quick to point out these shortcomings, and believers do best to admit to shortcomings when they occur and repent. The church ought to be a light to the culture seeking to bring it into the culture of the Christ. The best way to recover our sinking society is to recover a true understanding of Christian philosophy. This begins by teaching all, especially young children, to recognize and flee sin in their own lives and to turn and pursue godly virtue.
––––––––––––––––––
Kevin Clark and Ravi Scott Jain, The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education
If you are interested in learning more, listen to the whole episode on:
Comments
Post a Comment