Christian Ethics: Orthodox Christians' Perspective

Orthodox Christian ethics are based on biblical teachings as well as the writings of the church fathers. The following are some examples of key biblical verses and church fathers' teachings that support orthodox Christian ethics:

1. Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31): This verse teaches us to love and care for others just as we would want them to love and care for us. This is a foundational principle of Christian ethics and is supported by many church fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, who wrote "Let us not be satisfied with loving our neighbors as ourselves; let us strive to love them more than ourselves."

2. Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12): This verse is often referred to as the "Golden Rule" and teaches us to treat others as we would want to be treated. This principle is also supported by many church fathers, such as St. Basil the Great, who wrote "The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor."

3. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17): These commandments were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and provided a moral code for Christians to follow. They include principles such as honoring one's parents, not stealing or coveting, and not committing adultery. These principles are supported by many church fathers, such as St. Augustine, who wrote "Love God and do as you please" - meaning that if you truly love God, you will naturally follow His commandments.

4. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7): This is a collection of Jesus' teachings on various topics, including the Beatitudes and instructions on prayer, forgiveness, and love. These teachings provide guidance on how Christians should live their lives and are supported by many church fathers, such as St. Gregory of Nyssa, who wrote "The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God."

As a whole, orthodox Christian ethics are based on the teachings of the Bible and the writings of the church fathers, emphasizing principles such as love, compassion, and following God's commandments.