The concept of Moral character in Christianity
Moral character encompasses the ethical quality or virtue of an individual, deeply rooted in their intrinsic nature and decision-making processes. Within Christianity, it signifies the qualities that define a person's integrity and behavior, emphasizing individual responsibility shaped by spiritual influences. It reflects the inner motivations behind actions, suggesting that true moral character can improve and transform through spiritual renewal. Different religious perspectives, including Gnosticism and the Catholic Church, also highlight moral character's link to beliefs, ethics, and the influence of deities on behavior.
Synonyms: Ethical character, Integrity, Virtue, Righteousness, Uprightness, Honesty, Goodness, Ethics
In Dutch: Moreel karakter; In Finnish: Moraalinen luonne; In Spanish: Carácter moral; In German: Moralischer Charakter; In Malay: Budi pekerti; In Swedish: Moralisk karaktär; In French: Caractère moral
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Moral character'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is the way a person is, in terms of their behavior and attitude, and this is ascertained through spiritual and moral discernment.[1] (2) This refers to a person's ethical qualities and principles, which are shaped by experiences and reflections on those experiences.[2] (3) This term describes the ethical and virtuous qualities that define a person's behavior and beliefs, highlighting the importance of integrity, honesty, and other positive attributes.[3] (4) The perfecting of Christ is not the perfecting of His moral character, but the completion of His equipment for His work of being the Captain of our salvation.[4] (5) This is the perfection of which is included in holiness and is developed from it, which is conquered through self-surrender and giving up of oneself.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This is the inner qualities and traits that define a person's ethical standards and behavior, with the potential for improvement and transformation within the 'inward parts'.[6] (2) Moral character, of God, is what makes Amos so sure of the coming catastrophe, as he emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in his teachings.[7] (3) The ethical and spiritual qualities of individuals through whom God reveals Himself, which are emphasized in contemporary understandings of inspiration.[8] (4) The text mentions that nothing is said regarding Abel's moral character or the reason for the superiority of his offering over Cain's.[9] (5) The intrinsic nature of an individual that influences their ethical decisions and behavior, closely tied to the metaphor of 'a new heart' for spiritual renewal.[10]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This term is related to God's holiness, which is lowered by Socinianism, and of which justice is one phase.[11] (2) The ethical attributes ascribed to God, emphasizing His holiness and the consequent expectations for His followers.[12]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The mental and ethical qualities that define an individual's actions and decisions, influenced by virtue and law.[13]
From: The city of God
(1) The text mentions that the Greeks acted in conformity with the character of their gods, as the gods approved and enjoyed the scurrilous language of low comedy when directed not only against men, but even against themselves.[14]
Gnostic concept of 'Moral character'
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) This refers to the personal attributes of Valentinus, which were never questioned, and this person's moral standing was not challenged by any critics.[15] (2) Moral character refers to the focus on theology and beliefs, and the text references Apelles' study to maintain this moral character.[16]