4 Basic Tenets of Christian Ethics

Q: " I am co-directing a camp session ... and we are focusing our program on how to be an everyday hero. Obviously we are basing the program on things like Jesus commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, and the baptismal covenant (respecting the dignity of every human being). What are some tenants from other religions that can help illustrate the point we are trying to make?"

A:   Dear S., 


The most widely held tenet of faith across all religions is what Christians call the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31). It exists in some form or another in almost all religions. Jesus emphasizes that the motivation for what we ought to do (i.e. doing unto others) is Love, and reveals that Love is the nature of God. The Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) teach that we are ultimately and eternally accountable for our earthly actions. Jesus' teaching stresses that God's grace makes accountability a place of redemption and not condemnation. 


So if you can teach...


1) Mutual Respect (the "Golden Rule"), 
2) Self-sacrificial love of all God's creation,  
3) Mutual accountability,  
4) and Grace, 


I think the camp will be a tremendous achievement. As for examples, I think the behavior of the campers themselves will provide plenty of opportunities for your campers to relate to. Perhaps having them break into small groups and come up with their own illustrations would be a good learning experience.  


Blessings and prayers for your ministry.


FrJ+