Virtue Ethics

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. Virtual 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 ones 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