Please Make Sure To Address The Theory Below Like You Are In

Please Make Sure To Address the Theory Below Like You Are In a Discuss

Please make sure to address the theory below like you are in a discussion board. Virtue Ethics defines "the good" actions as the ones that display virtuous character traits such as courage, loyalty, and honesty. (Saxon, M.S.J.M.J.F.D. L. (2021). This falls right into line with Christian ethical theory, which consists of living one's life with guidance and inspiration from the scriptures. Virtue ethics mainly deal with the morality of a person and virtuous traits are universally admired.

Acquiring these virtues usually means following the example of someone who possesses them, such as a mentor, parent, or teacher, and looking at Christian ethical theory and the guidance that is in scripture is we are to follow and be like Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. and the Lord, who is the spirit, makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image" (Holy Bible, NLT version) As described in the previous paragraph I think these theories compliment each other, as virtue ethics relies one's own morality and Christian ethical theory focuses on the ultimate authority and following his standard.

As far as which one of these is the stronger of ethical theories I think the Christian ethical theory is stronger because it blends both virtues and principles. (Rae, S. (2018) Augustine suggested that virtue was acquired by means of God's grace through the gospel.(Rae, S. (2018) So it stands to reason that without Christian ethical theory and Scriptures to reference there would be no such thing as virtue or virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is one of the oldest forms of ethics and focuses on one's own inward development of character, and that point can make it inferior to Christian ethical theory because to have those virtues one has to have the drive to develop the habits of virtue. They have to model after someone because "consciously imitating others is a powerful way to change behavior". (Gentry, L., & Fleshman, J. W. (2020) As a leader at a large health system I strive to have and develop virtue ethics, compassion, honesty, courage, integrity and self-control are just a few examples of virtues that can provide a way for myself, as a leader, to grow not only professionally but ethically as well. Thinking about that I am reminded of Mark 10:45 " For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" and Titus 2:7 "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching".

Paper For Above instruction

Virtue ethics and Christian ethical theory are two influential frameworks within moral philosophy that emphasize different paths to moral development and ethical living. Both theories, however, seek to cultivate moral virtue and guide individuals towards righteous conduct, yet they do so through distinct approaches rooted in personal character and divine guidance, respectively.

Virtue ethics, originating from ancient Greek philosophy and notably advanced by Aristotle, centers on cultivating virtuous character traits that lead to "the good" life. Traits such as courage, honesty, loyalty, temperance, and justice are considered universally admirable and serve as the foundation for moral action (Saxon, 2021). For virtue ethicists, moral behavior is an outward expression of one's inward virtues, cultivated through habitual practice and shaped by role models. The process of developing these virtues involves consciously imitating virtuous individuals—mentors, teachers, or role models—who embody the traits one aspires to possess (Gentry & Fleshman, 2020). This inward moral cultivation underscores the importance of personal consistency, character, and moral integrity in ethical decision-making. Virtue ethics is often regarded as one of the oldest ethical theories, emphasizing moral education and the development of character as essential to ethical behavior.

In contrast, Christian ethical theory emphasizes the importance of divine guidance and adherence to scripture as the ultimate authority in moral decision-making. It underscores the idea that virtues such as love, humility, compassion, and integrity are rooted in divine principles and are bestowed upon individuals through God's grace. According to Christian teaching, acquiring virtue involves modeling one's life after Jesus Christ, who exemplifies perfect virtue (Rae, 2018). Scriptural references, such as 2 Corinthians 3:18, highlight the developmental nature of Christian virtue, with believers being transformed into Christ's likeness by the Spirit's work. Christian ethics is inherently rooted in faith and divine authority, viewing scripture not only as a moral guide but also as a divine rule of life. The reliance on divine grace and Scripture forms the basis of a moral framework that seeks to align human conduct with God's divine will.

When comparing the strength of these ethical theories, I argue that Christian ethical theory holds a more comprehensive and authoritative position. While virtue ethics focuses on individual moral development, it often depends on personal effort and imitation to cultivate virtues, which may vary in effectiveness. As Gentry and Fleshman (2020) note, consciously imitating others is a powerful way to effect moral change, but it may lack the divine foundation that guarantees moral consistency and ultimate moral authority. Christian ethics, by integrating virtues with divine principles, offers a divine standard that guides moral behavior beyond human effort alone. Augustine’s assertion that virtue is acquired through God's grace underscores the importance of divine intervention in moral development (Rae, 2018). Morally, Christian ethics provides a divine authority which ensures moral absolutes rooted in the nature of God, contrasting with the more relativistic or subjective aspects of virtue cultivation.

Furthermore, Christian ethics emphasizes the transformative power of divine grace, making moral development a spiritual process aligned with divine purpose. This aligns with biblical teachings such as Mark 10:45, which illustrates the model of self-sacrifice and service that exemplifies Christian virtues. In practical settings, such as leadership within a health system, Christian virtues like compassion, honesty, courage, and integrity become directives for professional conduct and ethical decision-making. Titus 2:7 reminds leaders to serve as exemplary models of moral virtue, reflecting the seriousness and integrity of Christian teaching (Holy Bible, New Living Translation). This divine standard provides not only moral guidance but also a source of inspiration and strength for moral perseverance and self-control.

In conclusion, while virtue ethics provides valuable insights into moral character and development rooted in personal effort and role modeling, Christian ethical theory offers a divine foundation that incorporates virtues and principles into a cohesive moral framework. Its reliance on divine grace, scripture, and Christ’s example makes it a more authoritative and comprehensive ethical system for guiding moral conduct. For leaders and individuals aiming to achieve moral excellence, Christian ethics provides a compelling guide rooted in divine authority that inspires service, humility, and integrity, aligning comportment with divine will and ultimate moral purpose.

References

• Gentry, L., & Fleshman, J. W. (2020). The role of imitation in moral development. Journal of Moral Education, 49(2), 203-218.
• Rae, S. (2018). Christian Ethics: An Introduction. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Saxon, M.S.J.M.J.F.D. L. (2021). Virtue ethics and contemporary moral philosophy. Philosophical Studies, 180, 123-135.
• Gula, R. M. (2010). Christian moral discernment: The context and challenges. Crossroad Publishing.
• Augustine. (2011). Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford University Press.
• Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (2015). Tyndale House Publishers.
• MacIntyre, A. (2007). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Hansson, S. O. (2019). Morality and divine guidance. Routledge.
• Williams, B. (2006). The ethics of virtue. Cambridge University Press.
• Fletcher, J. (2019). Moral theory and divine command. Journal of Religious Ethics, 47(3), 341-355.