God's Purpose for Creation as the Key to Understanding the Universality and Cultural Variety of Christian Ethics

Abstract

The question in what respect Christian ethics are universal and in what respect Christian ethics may legitimately vary from one cultural context to another is a question of great interest to our worldwide church living in many different contexts. The problem is generally resolved by distinguishing between universal ethical principles and their culturally varying application. In this article it is argued that the problem is more fruitfully addressed when we understand ethics teleologically, in relation to God's goal and purpose for God's creation. In this way we can understand the universality of this goal and have a tool to analyze and evaluate the culturally varying ways in which God's purposes may be respected and aimed for, as is illustrated with respect to the African practice of the exchange of the bride price.