THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICS AND MORALS

ROMANS 2:14–16

Since they [the Gentiles] show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them

(Romans 2:15).

Today is our last study on the implications of Romans 2:15 for modern society. In this lesson we’ll consider the difference between morals and ethics, for though people use the words morality and ethics as synonyms, they do not mean the same thing.

The meaning of the words

Historically there was a profound difference between the meanings of morals and ethics. The word morals, coming from the Latin mores, means “manners” or “customs,” and describes the behavioral patterns of people. The morality of a given group is simply what they do. If most of the people in the group are engaged in bank robbing, then that society has a morality of bank robbing.

The word ethics, on the other hand, comes from the Greek ethos meaning “foundation” or “root,” and has to do with the philosophical basis for morality. It encompasses the reasons why certain behavioral patterns are better than others.

Ethics is concerned with what ought to be done, while morals is concerned with what is in fact going on. Or to put it another way, ethics is “ought-ness” and morals is “is-ness.”

The rejection of ethics

The Christian perspective holds that people are required to do what they ought to do, and what they ought to do is determined by God. If, however, we deny ethics and are left only with morals, then it is every person for himself. Fyodor Dostoyevsky said it this way: “If there is no God, everything is permitted.”

We hear today that there are no absolutes—except the absolute that there are absolutely no absolutes! However, if there are no ethical principles, we cannot possibly have a morality that is righteous except by accident.

CORAM DEO

Culturally acceptable morality often conflicts with Biblical ethics. Abortion is one example, tax evasion is another. Where else do you see this conflict? If you have compromised God’s ethical standards, confess that as the sin it is and accept God’s forgiveness. If possible, make restitution with a glad heart for any harm you have done.

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