The Decalogue as Morality and Ethics

Abstract

THESIS: One reason why it is difficult to convince modern man of his sinfulness and need of grace is the widespread failure to distinguish carefully enough between morality and ethics, between formal and material ethical rules. The theologian tends to speak the language of the former, and the layman of the latter; and confusion results because they often do not realize that the two languages are quite different. This essay attempts to make the difference clear with reference to the Ten Commandments, and to use this distinction to show that there is no paradox in holding both that man is sinful and that he may nevertheless be thoroughly ethical.