Christian Ethics (book)

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Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas
Christian-Ethics-Book-By-Ismail-Faruqi.png
Cover of the 1967 edition
Author Ismail al-Faruqi
LanguageEnglish
Subject Christian ethics, Comparative religion, Christianity
Published1967
PublisherMcGill University Press
Publication placeCanada
Media typePrint
Pages333
ISBN 9780773592711
OCLC 450143
Preceded by On Arabism: 'Urubah and Religion (1962) 
Followed by Islam and the Problem of Israel (1980) 

Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas (1967) is a scholarly work by Ismail al-Faruqi that offers a critical examination of Christian ethical thought from both historical and systematic perspectives. [1] Written from a Muslim perspective, the book analyzes the development of key Christian moral doctrines, highlighting what al-Faruqi views as theological inconsistencies and external influences that diverge from Jesus' original teachings. [2] [3] Noted for its advocacy of a rational and coherent ethical framework, the book is regarded as a pioneering Muslim contribution to the critical study of Christian dogma and ethics. [4] It has attracted reviews and critiques from both Muslim and Christian scholars, reflecting its significance in comparative religion and interfaith dialogue. [5]

Contents

Background

Al-Faruqi, a prominent scholar in Islamic studies and comparative religion, developed Christian Ethics as part of his broader effort to engage critically with other faith traditions through a rational and systematic lens. The book was conceived during his tenure at McGill University, where he was influenced by leading figures such as Wilfred Cantwell Smith and Stanley Brice Frost. [2] [3] Al-Faruqi emphasized reason as the foundation for academic dialogue, asserting that ethical inquiry provided a neutral ground for evaluating religious doctrines. [3] His objective was to deliver a comprehensive critique of Christian ethics, situating it within the wider discourse of religious and moral philosophy. [6]

The work is recognized as a pioneering modern Muslim critique of Christianity, particularly its theological and ethical developments. [7] Central to al-Faruqi's argument is the claim that Christianity diverged from the original teachings of Jesus by assimilating Hellenistic and other non-Semitic influences, which he regarded as distortions. [5]

Contents

The book is divided into several chapters, each addressing different aspects of Christian ethics and its evolution through history.

The Jewish Background

This chapter sets the stage by exploring the Jewish context in which Jesus' teachings emerged. Al-Faruqi discusses Hebrew racialism, the political and social circumstances of Jesus' time, and the ethical norms prevalent among the Jewish people. [1] He highlights how the Jewish emphasis on the sinfulness of man influenced Christian thought, particularly the concept of original sin, which he argues was developed in the exilic and post-exilic periods. [7] Al-Faruqi criticizes these developments as part of his broader critique of "peccatism" and "saviourism." [4]

The Ethical Teachings of Jesus

Al-Faruqi examines the ethical teachings of Jesus, focusing on how they diverged from Jewish norms. This chapter covers Jesus' approach to politics, social issues, family, personal conduct, and cosmic concerns. Al-Faruqi emphasizes Jesus' focus on the intention behind actions rather than merely following the law. [1] [3]

Christian Legalism and Ethical Breakthrough

This section contrasts the teachings of Jesus with later Christian legalism. Al-Faruqi critiques the development of Christian doctrine that, according to him, diverged significantly from Jesus' original message. He draws parallels between the ethics of Jesus and Sufi traditions, highlighting similarities and differences. [6]

The Christianist Transvaluation

Al-Faruqi explores how Christian ethics were transformed and adapted through history, particularly during the Reformation and in modern Christianity. He discusses the changes in the understanding of sin, salvation, and the concept of the imago Dei (image of God). This chapter critiques the evolution of these ideas and their impact on Christian thought. [1] He argues that the idea of original sin is in direct contradiction to Jesus' teachings, which emphasize that ethical worth is a function of the conscious self's will alone. [7]

Sin and Salvation

This chapter delves into the concepts of peccatism (the idea of inherent human sinfulness) and saviorism (the belief in Jesus as the redeemer). Al-Faruqi contrasts these with Islamic views, arguing for a more rational and coherent approach to understanding sin and salvation. [2] [3] He critiques the Christian view of sin as a universal and necessary phenomenon, suggesting it was a later development that Jesus did not originally teach. [7] Al-Faruqi called for a new Reformation to restore the pristine faith of Jesus, suggesting that Islam could be an ally in this process. [4]

Meta-Religion and Logical Consistency

Al-Faruqi introduces the concept of meta-religion, a set of principles for evaluating religious systems. He emphasizes the importance of logical consistency and coherence in religious thought, critiquing Christian theological paradoxes and advocating for a rational approach to religious doctrine. [3] This concept involves disengaging from one's own beliefs and traditions to fully understand the beliefs and religions of the subject being studied. [6]

The Role of Epochè

Al-Faruqi employs the methodology of Epochè, or religio-cultural disengagement, which involves studying religious phenomena without preconceived notions. He examines the Jewish background of Jesus' teachings, contrasts them with Jewish law, and draws comparisons between Sufi and Christian ethics. The book critiques developments in Christian doctrine that, according to al-Faruqi, diverge from Jesus' original teachings. While he considers epochè a useful phenomenological tool for achieving impartiality, he regards it as a preliminary step rather than a final approach. He contends that scholars should ultimately evaluate religious traditions rather than remain in a state of neutrality. In this context, he advocates for applying value judgments in religious studies, drawing on a methodology similar to that of Ibn Hazm. [2] [3] [8]

Table of Contents

Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas
Main Sections and Subsections
Part One: What is the Ethic of Jesus?
I The Jewish Background: Jewish EthicHebrew Racialism
Hebrew Scripture as a Record of Hebrew Racialism
The Ethico-Political Situation at the Time of Jesus
II The Ethical Breakthrough of JesusIn Reaction to Jewish Ethic
The Ethic of Intent
The Final Disposition of the Law
The Content of Self-Transformation
III Dialectic of the New EthicThe Old Values and the New
In the Realm of the Political
In the Realm of the Social
In the Realm of the Family
In the Realm of the Personal
In the Realm of the Cosmic
IV The Sufi ParallelThe Parallelism
Its Explanation
Part Two: The Christianist Transvaluation
V What is Man? The Imago DeiIn Hellenic Christianity
In Pre-Reformation Christianity
In the Reformation
In the Christianity of Modern Times
VI What Ought Man to Be? Sin and SalvationMan is a Fallen Creature: Peccatism
The Jewish Background
The Christianist Transvaluation of the Jewish Idea of the Fall
Sin in the Gospel
Sin in the Teaching of Paul
Sin in the Teaching of the Apostolic Fathers
Sin before Augustine
Augustine: The Exemplar of Peccatism
Sin in the Reformation
Peccatism and Contemporary Christian Thought
Man is Reconciled: Saviourism
Christianity is the Religion of Redemption
The Nature of Saviourist Salvation
VII What Ought Man to Be? Church and SocietyChristianism and Society
In Traditional Theology
In Modern Theology
The Case of William Temple
The Case of Karl Barth
In the Theology of the Future
The Lack of Societist Foundations and the Split Consciousness of Western Man
The Societist Transvaluation
The A-Societism of Reinhold Niebuhr
Conclusion
Epilogue
Index of Subjects
Index of Biblical Quotations
Index of Authors and Book Titles

Themes

The book contributes to interfaith dialogue by offering a critical examination of Christianity from a Muslim perspective. [5] Central to its analysis are themes such as the interiorization of ethics, self-transformation, and the rational evaluation of religious doctrines. Al-Faruqi critiques the concepts of "peccatism"—the belief in inherent human sinfulness—and "saviorism"—the doctrine of Jesus as redeemer—contrasting these with Islamic notions of human nature and accountability.

A key aspect of his critique targets the reliance on paradox within Christian theology, which he argues undermines logical consistency and ethical coherence. [2] [3] He emphasizes the need for a rational framework in religious thought, advocating for doctrines that align with reason and moral clarity. [6] Al-Faruqi also highlights Jesus’ assessment of Jewish law, suggesting that it functioned more as "a code of utility" than a true ethical system. [3]

Furthermore, he argues that Christian theology has been shaped by Hellenistic and other non-Semitic influences, leading to distortions of Jesus' original teachings. [5] Through these critiques, al-Faruqi positions Islam as a model of rational ethical monotheism, free from what he views as the theological contradictions present in Christianity.

Publication and reviews

Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas was published in 1967 by McGill University Press, supported by various academic and philanthropic institutions, including the Rockefeller Foundation. The book is regarded as a pioneering critique of Christianity and Christian ethics by a modern Muslim scholar. [7] Recognized as a noteworthy contribution to the fields of comparative religion and ethics, it explores the intersections and divergences between Islamic and Christian moral philosophies. [2] [3] [6]

Although some Christian theologians expressed reservations about al-Faruqi's conclusions, reviewers acknowledged his thorough engagement with both Christian and Islamic perspectives. Contemporary assessments noted that his scholarly approach and critical analysis merited serious attention within interfaith and academic discourse. [4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Al-Faruqi, Ismail Raji (1999). Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas. Kuala Lumpur: A.S. Noordeen. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1w0dc5d. ISBN   9789830650883.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Idrisi, Fathiyyatunnur (January 2022). "Christian Ethics: A Review from the Perspective of Al-Faruqi". Journal of Fatwa Management and Research, Special Edition. 27 (2): 1–9.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mohd, Siti Hadija (2023). "A Structured Critical Analysis of Al-Faruqi's Christian Ethics". Preprint. Kuala Lumpur.
  4. 1 2 3 4 M.K.S. (1967). "Review of 'Christian Ethics: A Historical and Systematic Analysis of Its Dominant Ideas'" . Dialogue. 8 (1): 186–187. doi:10.1017/S0012217300040191 . Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Ford, F. Peter, Jr. (December 1993). "Isma'il Al-Faruqi on Muslim-Christian Dialogue: An Analysis from a Christian Perspective". Islam & Christian Muslim Relations. 4 (2): 268–282. doi:10.1080/09596419308721011.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Shehu, Fatmir (2023). "Investigating Ismāʿīl Rājī al-Fārūqī's Methodology in the Study of Christianity through Selected Textual Analysis from His Christian Ethics". Intellectual Discourse. 31 (1). International Islamic University Malaysia Press: 31–55. doi:10.31436/id.v31i1.1913.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Zebiri, Kate (1997). Muslims and Christians Face to Face. Oxford: Oneworld Publications. ISBN   1851681337.
  8. ↑ Malik, Mohd Ashraf (2023). "Contribution of Muslim Scholars to Comparative Religions: Selected Works Study". Insight Islamicus. 23: 74–85.
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