Abstract
M.A.
This work is aimed at dealing with the demand for the new ethos as proclaimed by the New Testament synoptic in view of the African context or perspective. The synoptic give a code of values by which the Christian church should live. The synoptic ethos is Jesus' ethos. Every nation and community is characterised by certain values of conduct. As a church we are also confronted by moments of decision making. This script is therefore attempting to answer or question the level of
credibility taken at some point in life. Ethics which is a science of moral behaviour and principles of conduct , tells us that there is an
expected way of behaviour from every individual in society. The question is when , when do we say
that this is right , and when do we say this is wrong ? However, this script is not aimed at necessarily
dealing with ethics in general. I have narrowed my subject to focus on the Kingdom ethos reflected
in the synoptic. The only issue that one need to take into consideration is that all ethics have
sources.
The problem that existed in proclaiming Kingdom ethics has been religion. This script shows that
religion and ethics are so interwoven that one cannot separate them. It is impossible for one to
speak about one's moral behaviour and not include his religion. Religion tells people what to say
and what not, what to eat and what not , where to go and what people to associate with and not.
Religion and ethics are integrated in such w way that one cannot do without the other. One cannot speak about ethics outside religion. The ethos of the Jews came from their monotheistic religion, with the Law of Moses. Jesus' ethics came from His focus on the Kingdom which was both present
and future.
This shows again the problem of religion in Africa. African ethics have been drawn mostly from their
own cultures , customs and religion. Jesus' Kingdom ethics, which is God centred, helps to show
that all other sources are not relevant sources. Many church leaders in Africa are calling for an
African religion and criticising the missionaries for having brought Western religion. The Kingdom
ethics show how that it is not Western or African religion that matters much , all we need is the
Christian religion and Jesus' ethos of the Kingdom.
Finally the church is expected to play its role of reconciling this divided world. The purpose of the
church is man, his human dignity and his right to develop himself in freedom. Jesus commanded the
church to love, hence it is the duty of the church to be the prophetic voice of God in this confused
generation. The ethics demanded by Jesus are practical and possible. We need God's mercy and
grace to be real ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. As a church we have a responsibility. We
need to move away from syncretism and serve God alone.