A Christian ethics of blame: or, God says, 'vengeance is mine'

被引:0
|
作者
Hartman, Robert J. [1 ]
机构
[1] Ohio Northern Univ, Sch Humanities & Global Cultures, Ada, OH 45810 USA
关键词
blame; vengeance; anger; Christianity; love; HYPOCRISY;
D O I
10.1017/S0034412523000951
中图分类号
B9 [宗教];
学科分类号
010107 ;
摘要
There is an ethics of blaming the person who deserves blame. The Christian scriptures imply the following no-vengeance condition: a person should not vengefully overtly blame a wrongdoer even if she gives the wrongdoer the exact negative treatment that he deserves. I explicate and defend this novel condition and argue that it demands a revolution in our blaming practices. First, I explain the no-vengeance condition. Second, I argue that the no-vengeance condition is often violated. The most common species of blame involves anger; anger conceptually includes a desire for vengeance; and there are many pleasures in payback. Third, I clarify that it is possible to blame non-vengefully in anger and highlight three good uses for anger in non-vengeful blame. Fourth, I offer two reasons that justify the divine command prohibiting vengeance, and I note that the Christian God is merely sufficient to make non-vengeance morally obligatory. Fifth, I defend the no-vengeance condition against four biblical objections.
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页数:16
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