Ethics is a complicated matter, to say the least. Our ethical makeup is very much formed by our beliefs and experiences. It is considerably difficult to separate right from wrong on this difficult subject when it comes to the black and white thereof.

Instead, I have compiled a list of 5 schools of thought concerning ethics, not in an attempt to make one stand out as being more correct than the other. Rather goal is to enlighten you as to just how some people differ in their decision-making process from you, and why that is.

Please consider this at face value, there is far more depth to each school of thought, however, these are the basics, and I guess it allows you somewhere to start.

Ethics are the standards by which we live, by which we practice our day to day lives, it is a critical part of most if not all of our decision-making processes. It is our moral compass guiding the line between right and wrong.

Secular ethics are governed by our personal experience, what we deem right or wrong, relying heavily on our human intuition. It is not guided by religious practice, but rather by personal human beliefs.

Biblical ethics are based upon a keen study of what the Bible deems ethically and morally correct. In practice, an individual would make a decision based on consulting the Bible in order to find a solution to making a decision.

Christian Ethics. Very similar to Biblical ethics, however, the principles are more focused on the teachings of the New Testament and the instructions as conveyed by Christ and His Apostles for Christian living.

African Christian Ethics could be viewed as more complicated. It attempts to practice Christian ethics in light of many African believes and practices that can at times contradict the very ethical guidelines set forth by Christ and His Apostles. One could say it is adaptive ethics to fit into the African way of thinking instead of having the African way of thinking adapt to the instructions of the New Testament concerning ethics and Christian conduct. Basically, it is an attempt to unite the two.

My personal view isn't always popular amongst my peers. In fact, it borders heresy. However, I cannot deny my heart. I believe one sees clearly only with the heart. In light of this, I am a firm believer in what is termed Situational Ethics.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this post and that those moments you wonder, "but how can they do this", starts making a little more sense.

Written by Dwain Donovan Stewart