How does virtue ethics define morality?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Virtue ethics, one of the theories of normative ethics, defines morality based on the character of the individual, rather than solely on their actions or the consequences. This approach, rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotle's works, emphasizes that a truly moral person possesses virtuous traits that naturally lead to ethical behavior. Virtue ethics centers on achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing) through the development of arête (excellence or virtue) in character and action. The Bible aligns with many aspects of virtue ethics, highlighting the importance of developing a righteous character (1 Peter 1:15–16) and the connection between a person's inner nature and their actions (Luke 6:43–45). However, Scripture also recognizes the ongoing influence of our fallen nature (Romans 7:15–20) and the need to rely on God's Word for moral guidance (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Virtue ethics offers valuable insights into character formation and moral development, complementing other ethical frameworks and biblical teachings on righteousness.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs 11:3: "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." This emphasizes how a person's character—integrity or crookedness—influences their actions and outcomes, aligning with virtue ethics' focus on character.
• Psalm 119:1: "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!" This verse connects righteous living with well-being, similar to the concept of eudaimonia in virtue ethics.
• Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse outlines virtues that God desires in His people, reflecting the importance of character in ethical living.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Luke 6:43–45: "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." This passage strongly correlates with virtue ethics, emphasizing that a person's character determines their actions.
• Galatians 5:22–23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." This list of virtues aligns with the concept of arête in virtue ethics, outlining characteristics of a virtuous person.
• Second Peter 1:5–7: "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." This passage encourages the development of virtuous traits, reflecting the importance of character formation in ethical living.
• Romans 7:15–20: Paul discusses the struggle between knowing what is right and doing it, acknowledging the ongoing influence of sin, even in believers. This passage reminds us of the limitations of relying solely on character for moral behavior.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Virtue ethics offers a valuable perspective on moral development that resonates with many biblical teachings. It encourages us to focus not just on following rules or achieving good outcomes, but on cultivating virtuous character traits that lead to ethical behavior. This approach can help Christians think more holistically about their spiritual growth, recognizing that true transformation involves changes in our inner nature, not just our outward actions. However, we must also recognize the limitations of virtue ethics in light of biblical teaching. While developing virtuous character is crucial, Scripture reminds us that we continue to struggle with our fallen nature, even as believers.

UNDERSTAND

• Virtue ethics defines morality by emphasizing the importance of an individual's character, suggesting that virtuous traits naturally lead to ethical behavior.
• Virtue ethics aligns with biblical teachings that highlight the connection between inner nature and actions.
• Virtue ethics’ limitation is that it does not adequately address the impact of external circumstances and of the struggle with our fallen nature on moral decisions.

REFLECT

• How have you seen the influence of your character shape your decisions and actions in everyday life?
• How do you actively cultivate virtuous traits and allow the Spirit to form your character?
• When have you struggled between your inner character and external expectations and why?

ENGAGE

• The Bible reflects elements of virtue ethics through its focus on character development and moral formation, encouraging individuals to cultivate virtues that lead to ethical behavior (1 Peter 1:15–16; Luke 6:43–45). However, it also includes specific commandments and ethical guidelines, illustrating that moral behavior is not solely defined by character, but also by adherence to God's law (Exodus 20:1–17). This combination makes biblical ethics more comprehensive than virtue ethics alone, addressing both the inner transformation and the external standards required for moral living.
• How can we reconcile the emphasis on character and heart change with the importance of obedience to God's commandments?
• How can community and accountability play a role in developing virtuous character traits among believers, according to both virtue ethics and biblical principles?