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Introduction to the Christian Ideal

Christianity is unique in that it merges religion and morality seamlessly, offering not only the forgiveness of sins but also presenting the ideal of holiness. These two aspects of Christianity are inseparable; Christian faith is rooted in God’s holy love. This inseparability means that worship is inherently connected to moral perfection. Unlike some religions where ritual can sometimes hinder moral development, Christianity emphasizes that true worship and righteousness are one and the same. The Hebrew prophets often criticized the popular religion of their time for replacing social justice with ritual sacrifice. Similarly, the Christian Gospel has at times been misunderstood, leading to moral laxity. However, a correct understanding of the Gospel reveals that morality and religion in Christianity are indivisible.

The Originality of Christian Morality

Christian morality is not merely an external law; it is an inward life guided by the love of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasted the old law with the new life He introduced. While the old law prohibited evil actions, the new life in Christ aims to exclude even evil desires. The love of God awakens love for others, encompassing both a Heavenly Father and His earthly family. Thus, Christian morality reflects the perfection of God, calling believers to be perfect as their Heavenly Father is perfect. This perfection is rooted in love, which fulfills the law and does no harm to others. Christian love, however, is not sentimental but mirrors God’s holy love: “Be ye holy, for I am holy.”

The Christian Community and the Ideal

The Christian ideal is primarily for the Christian community and only secondarily for society at large. Attempting to legislate this ideal for a non-Christian society is bound to fail. The perfection Jesus requires can only be aimed for by those who have entered into a filial relationship with God through Him. The realization of the Christian ideal, therefore, depends on the authenticity of the Christian religion within individuals and communities.

Instead of imposing the Christian ideal through legislation, the Church should focus on converting individuals to Christ. This approach ensures that the ideal is not seen as a law to be obeyed but as a life to be desired. Historically, the Church’s eagerness to legislate rather than convert has hindered the realization of the Christian ideal. The inward transformation of individuals through conversion is far more effective than outward legislation.

The Evolution of the Christian Ideal

Evolution is God’s method in both nature and morals. This gradual progress allows humans to cooperate with God’s advancing purpose. Asking God to bring His Kingdom speedily by His power would negate the moral and religious character of that Kingdom. God must train His human agents gradually, which is the most effective form of education. Despite this, the progress toward the Christian ideal is often slower than it could be, not due to a lack of grace but because of a lack of faith.

The Challenge of Realizing the Christian Ideal

Critics often challenge the Christian ideal by pointing to its slow realization as evidence of its ineffectiveness. However, the more elevated the ideal, the more time is needed for humans to understand, appreciate, and apply it. Moreover, human failure to fulfill their obligations and seize opportunities also contributes to this slow progress. Faith may be limited, even while grace is abundant.

The Role of the Individual Conscience

Christian morality does not consist of a set of rules to be blindly obeyed but recognizes the authority and activity of the individual conscience. Paul’s treatment of the ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ brethren in Rome exemplifies this respect for individual conscience. Coercing the conscience through legalism or ecclesiastical authority contradicts the Christian view of individual dignity as children of God. However, this respect for individual conscience does not imply moral anarchy. Christians are to exercise their conscience within the collective wisdom of the Christian community, balancing individual rights with communal standards.

The Influence of Jesus’ Teaching and Example

The distinctiveness of the Christian ideal originates from the teaching and example of Jesus. While the apostles developed Jesus’ teachings, they did not introduce anything fundamentally new regarding Christian duty. The Apostolic Age provides an example of the Christian ideal at work in the world, albeit imperfectly. Paul’s vision of the Christian Church as an organic whole, where each member serves a function, is a significant contribution to Christian thought. The Christian ideal did not emerge in a vacuum but built upon existing moral customs and standards, seeking to fulfill rather than destroy them.

The Christian Ideal and Modern Society

The Christian ideal is not directly for or against economic socialism. Christianity acknowledges the rights of others, which could support collective ownership, but it also values voluntary service and the generous use of private property. The Christian ideal condemns any economic system that is unjust or unloving. Jesus’ teaching placed great emphasis on the individual’s worth to God and the importance of each soul. He did not think in terms of classes or masses but valued each person as a child of God.

The Christian Ideal and Cultural Engagement

Jesus did not address modern cultural pursuits such as literature, art, science, or philosophy. His focus was on man’s dependence on God and vocation to goodness. However, the principles of holy sonship He brought can elevate and purify all aspects of human culture. Jesus did not promote asceticism for its own sake but enjoined self-denial where necessary for fidelity to God’s Kingdom. Modern society, with its emphasis on material comfort, often falls short of this ideal.

Conclusion

The Christian ideal is not a rigid code but a supreme principle where morality and religion converge. It is characterized by absolute love for God and equal love for self and others. This love must be informed by the teaching and example of Jesus, the practice of the Christian community, and the moral standards of society, guided by the Spirit of God. As society progresses, the Christian Church must affirm what is morally best while striving to realize the Christian ideal. This process requires both knowledge and wisdom, recognizing the importance of individual conscience within the context of the Christian community.

About the Author

Alfred Ernest Garvie was a Congregational minister and seminary professor. He is the author of The Ritschlian Theology and A Handbook of Christian Apologetics.