Global Ethics and Theological Ethics

Abstract

The ethical analysis of the previous chapters has tended to be based on assumptions of western paradigms, with religion and theological ethics set in the context of liberal secular democracies. However, this chapter considers the impact of globalization and consequently global ethics within religious and theological paradigms. The international profile, membership and reach of religious communities and organizations raises further ethical dilemmas. For religious communities and believers there are ethical issues to address about loyalties to faith or country and the balance between the two. Notable examples, with varied implications, are the role of the Vatican for Roman Catholicism, concepts of the Caliphate for Muslims and of Israel for the Jewish tradition. For secular authorities and ethics there are again significant issues about nationality, citizenship and loyalty reflected in contemporary debates over extremism and the phenomenon of young people going abroad to fight for other causes. The politics of migration, welcoming the stranger and responses to those fleeing poverty, environmental degradation and war are also raised by global ethics. Ethical arguments and action from both theological and secular paradigms are examined for their capacity to build a common platform over these urgent priorities.