Distinguishing Ethics From Religion

Religious variability derives from the fact that theological beliefs are intrinsically subject to debate. There are an unlimited number of alternative ways for people to conceive and account for the nature of the “spiritual.” Throughout history there have been hundreds of differing religious belief systems. These traditional ways of believing adopted by social groups or cultures often take on the force of habit and custom. They are then handed down from one generation to another. To the individuals in any given group, their particu*lar beliefs seem to them to be the ONLY way, or the only REASONABLE way, to conceive of the “divine.” They cannot see that their religious beliefs are just one set among many possible religious belief systems.



Theological reasoning answers metaphysical questions such as:

What is the origin of all things? Is there a God? Is there more than one God? If there is a God, what is his/her nature? Are there ordained divine laws expressed by God to guide our life and behavior? If so, what are these laws? How are they communicated to us? What must we do to live in keeping with the will of the divine?

Examples of Religious Beliefs Being Confused with Ethical Principles:

Members of majority religious groups often enforce their beliefs on minorities.
Members of religious groups often act as if their theological views are self-evidently true, scorning those who hold other views.
Members of religious groups often fail to recognize that “sin” is a theological concept, not an ethical one. (“Sin” is theologically defined.)
Divergent religions define sin in different ways (but often expect their views to be enforced on all others as if a matter of universal ethics).

As for the Law of God, is it ethical because it is Law or because it is God's Law. Would it be ethical for me to spear one of you through like Pinhas? It would be breaking one part of the law to do what? If you're wrong and we are all called to be in perfect agreement with the Father through his Messiah when Yeshua returns. Not under the law but not rebellious against Messiah and the Word of God. Sabbath is almost everything in scripture that proves that you are created to be in agreement with the Father. He rests we rest, as we have read He works still so we should be concerned about the work of the Father's instructions because they are not burdensome if you observe it correctly, to be treated with honor and observed with reverence because faith is not of the law but through trusting in Messiah.

There are ethical motivations in The Ten Commandments. Though, I'm fairly certain that the majority consider God as aggressive and demanding although they have no evidence to confirm this whereas I do and I can say with confidence that God, as a personality, is sophisticated, ethical and understanding. The God I'm talking to doesn't match the profile given from the past. I have applied the question and I was told that it was a different type of people back then. So far, thankfully, the current evidence I have accumulated depicts that God hasn't committed any crimes against the human race unless it's angered. Wow, what a temper.

Ethically is mainstream Christian theology having an ethical lapse? What I mean is we teach being a person who is righteous is not what God wants us to be by teaching the law has been done away with. How does Christianity get away with it?

I guess ethics are defined by the culture of the society. It may be affected by religion, but not solely that.

- In Norway it is not only illegal, but unethical to spank your children.
- Thus, I see people who spank their children as coming up short, failing to use words, and turning to abuse.
Many (most?) Americans would see it the opposite way, me being weak and failing to correct my child,
and they would use the bible to defend their views.

yes they would, but 'after conversion', The Holy Spirit teaches us the same things,
but not in a 'worldly manner', but a Godly One, One that Works...

That's what I'm talking about wwjd_kilden... What one culture says is right another says another. What the word of God says IS more ethical. What's screwed up more I think is we have lost the knowledge that, "Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."

Where it also is written, "Remember the day you stood before the YHWH your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."

We claim to be not under the law but by who's tradition are we a slave to? I would rather be enslaved by the way I have learned in Messiah than following some man made tradition or, "image of man". I believe that lawlessness is wrong also according to the word of God. Does Torah again have an answer?
They saw no form at Horeb when Elohim revealed the word through fire. When the whole mountain was on fire. We have been brought close to the promise of not only abundant life in the Kingdom but the promise of rest and peace which comes through action. We have faith through hearing the word and by the example that happened to Israel in the past we know not entering his rest day only shows Him we are not His people. If we do want to humble ourselves it's really easy. Just submit to the Will of the Father as Messiah does and become one with the Father through his Son Yahshua the Messiah. Seek The Kingdom. As my Master has said, "to whom you obey that is your master.. "