Pinich, Y., Bunchua, K., & Takaew, R. (2020). The Cultivation of Christian Ethics according to the Moderate Postmodern Philosophy. In Proceeding of the 11th International Academic Conference, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University 2020 (pp. 189-198). Bangkok: Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.

Abstract
This research is a philosophical research, whose purpose was to analyze and answer the question whether the cultivation of Christian ethics can use the concepts of moderate postmodern philosophy. The research found out that the moderate postmodern philosophy can be used as an appropriate guideline to cultivate the Christian ethics. However, there arose two arguments: 1) the medieval philosophy believed that The Christian ethics was the only observation of religion. Other knowledge was not in the scope of religion and was considered as opinions that did not respond to human conduct goals. 2) The modern philosophy believed that the correct Christian ethics was to be cultivated by using the principles of the rationalism that only the scientific accreditation lead to a definite practice and a clear system. The main points of both arguments were flawed. The goal of the medieval philosophy was not in line with the actual way of life. because it emphasized the rules and how to use the authority of religion, which made it unable to adjust to life in the application of current humans, while the concept of modern philosophy was based on the scientific principle that is committed more to the rationalism. but ethics is not a scientific based rule, because it is a matter of human conduct. Both arguments were flawed because the concept of medieval philosophy emphasized faith not rationalism, while the modern philosophy emphasized rationalism without faith as the goal of human life to cultivate Christian ethics. Therefore, these two arguments did not comply to current people. Therefore, the researcher has the opinion that the theory of conduct and ethical principles are necessary to act through the cultivation of human conscience, as this helps to realize virtue awareness beforehand. The training or education is signed to nourish the spirit and intelligence to grow as to appropriate and cultivate the Christian ethics in consciousness in order to have sense of familiarity, seeking a common understanding. This is consistent with the concepts of postmodern philosophy.


Keywords: Cultivation of character, Christian ethics, Moderate postmodern philosophy

Introduction
The researcher was interested in the study of philosophy and ethics, which is related to human conduct about ethical principles, virtue and morality as standard of individual living. In addition, it can help people improve to develop the quality of life to be progressive and responsible for themselves and society. Cultivating a good ethic will cause exuberant behavior of the individual and motivate people to change lives for the better by living in harmony with the goals of the lifestyle of the individual and find happiness according to their own optimal existence.

Because the lifestyle of individuals in today’s society is diverse. Hence, the decision leading to the conduct would be different. There are many reasons behind the behavior. In addition, each behavior has its own benchmarks for determining whether any actions are consistent with life goals, while doing so will result in good practice. (Bunchua, 2008, p. 63) Wittgenstein (1889-1951) explained how a person’s lifestyle is paradigm? It’s not a result of a person’s sense of satisfaction only, but also how to learn one thing about each one is coming from the background of the standpoint and the measure of personal value. (Bunchua, 2008, p. 157) Therefore, humans have different standards of exactness or righteousness, but they select a good part to apply to live appropriately.

Currently, in society trends, we have seen so many ethical issues, some situations are more violent behavior and more dangerous significantly. In contrary to the current reality, humans have the better life than before. For example, better education, modern technology. By contrast, it was noted that ethical behavior was still not consistent.

Therefore, the researcher is aware to understand and analyze the appropriate cultivation of Christian ethics for Christian believers regarding the concepts of moderate postmodern philosophy in lighting up critical thinking and highlighting the thinking process with intelligence to analyze each issue appreciatively. Overall, it can be said that the evaluation and application of the Scriptures can guide humans to the crucial parts and useful ways to find the answers and improving the quality of human life. For it is the basic approach to cultivate Christian ethics appropriately for Christian believers.

Objective
To answer the research question whether the cultivation of Christian ethics can use the concept of moderate postmodern philosophy.

Scope of research

  1. This research scope is a philosophical research study that uses the document research model to review literature using various academic papers related to the philosophy and concept of philosophy, to cultivate Christian ethics, and the concept of moderate postmodern philosophy.
  2. Research duration: Duration from January 2019 to January 2020.

Literature Review

1.Ethical principles explain that the term “ethics” refers to the processing of a single person or a person who is good. The word “ ethics or ethic” come from the Greek, word “ethikos” meaning moral and “ethos” meaning character (Richard, 1975, p. 610) so the term “ethics” is “an ethical practice of morality,” which does not mean each dharma. And “virtue” is a moral process that is perfect for your own beauty, well-being, and a good aesthetic condition (Bunchua, 2008, p. 3) There are two goals of conscience: a particular end and means. (Bunchua, 2008, p. 4) Inconclusion, the ethical implications of human behavior occurred with a wise and rationales for making conscientious and deliberate discrimination as good-evil, right-wrong, It is therefore able to control their own actions in a state of good people.

2.Christian ethical principles of conduct treat as’ a good standard from Jesus Christ’s teaching according to the Scriptures, a study on the relationship between God’s truth as revealed about human behavior that has followed, faith, hope, and charity. (Leardjitlaka, 2005, p. 191). Good moral behavior in Christian life follows the biblical standard, having three areas of responsibilities which are duty to God, to society and to oneself. Stay calm, focus on God’s presence, and prepare to serve humanity. (Bunchua, 2003, p. 65). As Augustine said, the pursuit of good well-being in this world with the preparation to go beyond the world. Two principles are required: First, the principle of a reason and two principles of faith in the desire of the mind. Second, the principle of faith with the freedom and responsibility of the internal mind.

3.The cultivation of Christian ethics means teaching, studying, training the virtue igniting within a person’s life that reacts or behaves in accordance with good practices for the growth of oneself and in society with a conscience that targets ethically in reality. Tanin Kraivixien comments that the cultivation of ethical consciousness must be carried out. There are two necessary main acts in cultivating and awakening, Firstly, cultivating in virtue thinking and attitude. Secondly, the use of virtue to behave as a good example for others (Soponpokai, 2010, p. 1) The cultivating goals of Christian ethics have four levels. Firstly, remembering is a significant knowledge of key content. Secondly, understanding is able to clear states of meanings and reasons, Thirdly, deep understanding can give various reasons for comprehensiveness.
Fourthly, the application is able to proceed the knowledge as well as the data connection. The application is the best way for life to react, create value as well as benefit appropriately and productively.

Dewey pointed out that teaching or cultivation of ethics is not compulsory and the overcrowding tasks or the exercise of power on others hinders their free will. By contrast, it was cultivated through the ethics principles encouragement and openness for new experience to other possibilities. (Nakata, 2017, p. 145). Likewise, Socrates asked whether “Virtue could be taught, or a knowledge arises from the teaching, so that virtue is knowledge, means seeking about virtue and moral, it is a seeking of knowledge”.

4.In the cultivation of ethical principles in medieval philosophical, Christian
believers have a very important role in conveying to people in the cultivation of ethical principles in medieval philosophy. Religious leaders taught them systematically in the church. This is the reason why those people determined the set of guidelines to lead happily the afterlife world. As we have known, it is not perfect in this world, so we must sacrifice happiness in this world in order to have true happiness in the next world. (Bunchua, 2002, p. 11). By the virtues according to the teaching of Christian standards. The cultivation of Christian ethics was the role of a religious leaders or priests who have studied the Scriptures to make training and radiance to the people, based on the Scriptures and doctrine of the religious leaders.

5.The cultivation of ethical principles in modern philosophy is the process of a
concept of values for life. When humans reach wisdom, research discovers the truth. On the contrary, if any truth could not be proven it would not be accepted. This new concept is popular widely accepted, for it focuses on the scientific reasoning only and views that religious teachings are ignorant, nonsensical, It seemed to waste time developing science. Kirti Bunchua (2002, pp. 14-15) explained, “this is a concept that emphasizes certainty, adheres to rule, no exceptions, and progressively goes on understanding the world of a human being in a useful way.” On the other hand, moral values are not measured by the results of one’s actions or from the benevolence of nature, but with the will or intention to act more morally. (Nielsen, 1967, p. 95).

6.The concept of moderate postmodern philosophy

6.1 The cultivation of Christian ethics according to moderate postmodern
philosophy began with the concept of globalization philosophy, which used critical thinking, to analyze and evaluate the results into practice. Kant (1724-1804) proposed the idea that did not passionate about science, because it didn’t give the truth, However, it only gave useful things, Hence, science must be used to serve humans in the area of morality and religion. In this reason, it has caused the concept that the pursuit of common sense together with collaboration controls the use of science and technology. (Bunchua, 2003,
pp. 76-85)

The philosophers proposed three brave principles. There are to face the problem bravely, to evaluate how to practice and to dare with the responsibility, using dialogue, creating an atmosphere of unity in diversity. There is a positive direction towards the goal that can promote human dignity: it was called critical mind, such as analysis, evaluation, and application as much as possible. The aim is to have the world’s peace and well-being together, based on understanding of each other and respecting the faith in each other. Conflicting issues should be adjusted by the understanding with peaceful dialogue. (Bunchua, 2003, pp. 65)

6.2 The approach to cultivate ethics according to the pattern of Jesus Christ, who cultivated good ethical principles for all those who follow him until they have developed their lives to a healthier life, with the mind of peace and spiritual growth. These are well connected to the Lord as well as to decide to behave confidently.

It can be summarized that the guidelines that Jesus has cultivated ethics: 1) Preaching the Word of God, such as the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) Repeated teaching (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33-34), Explaining the true meaning, such as the words of eternal life (John 6:60-71) 2) Parables, which are comparisons of the true meaning, such as the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-24), the parable of the net (Matthew 13:1-24), the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 15:25-37), Stories telling of the truth, such as the Prodigal son. (Luke 15:1-32) 3) living life as an example, Jesus heals a boy from an evil spirit (Mark 9:14-29), Jesus calls Levi (Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 5:27-32)

Jesus always encouraged or twitched the thought process to himself. By asking questions to lead to consider and ponder, such as the story of Nicodemus secretly meeting with Jesus Christ (John 3:1-21) etc. Therefore, the conclusion is that Jesus Christ inspires the idea of people, with feelings and conscience to lead to practical decisions His Highness uses different methods of conveying according to the patterns, ideas, or learnner’s style in order to be able to lead to the practice of that virtue. (McCoy, 2016, pp. 4-15)

6.3 Principle of mental model and Learning styles of learners. The mental model means the thought pattern. This refers to the fundamental belief agreement, or an image crystallized in the minds of individuals. It affects cognitive learning things in the world: the values, attitudes, and behavior affecting comprehension. (Senge, 1990). The Cultivation of ethics should consider the recipient in the form of individual learning: a model way of thinking and view of learning style.

The study is divided into three parts: Firstly, visual learner who is to learn better from pictures, diagrams charts the content in a story which later become a perceptive sense of hearing, Secondly, auditory learner who is to learn well without the pictures. I’ve heard repeatedly that the story to others, read aloud. Finally, kinesthetic learner, which is recognition of the body. The movement and the feeling are to learn well the feeling. The body exposure is not like sitting aroundidly (Thammabut, 2009).

Research Methodology

  1. This research is a qualitative research to study the cultivation of Christian ethics according to the moderate postmodern philosophy.
  2. This research uses the philosophical method of Dialectic and Discursive combined

Research Question
Is postmodern philosophy appropriate guideline to cultivate the Christian Ethics?

Research findings
Research results found that the moderate postmodern philosophy can be used as an appropriate guideline to cultivate the Christian ethics,

1.The opponents argued that the cultivation of Christian ethics must use the medieval philosophy concepts only. Ethics is a subject of religion, where human conduct needs to be pointed out and regulated. The cultivation of ethical principles needs to believe that it is an important part of the future life. Ethical conduct is a way of believing in the world’s life. It is clear guidelines for measuring those who are going to a good world. This is the power of religious leaders to judge the measurement of conduct. When people believe in religion, its teaching will stimulate the mind and results in moral practices. From the information given, researchers have found that this concept was not embracing and conforming goals to the current life. People are not able to cultivate ethics only by religion but also need to consider its rationality as well.

2.The opponents also claimed that the cultivation of Christian ethics must use the modern philosophy concepts only. The teachings that have been classified as definition. The principles are the exact measurements regarding the rules, regulations of a clear plan. In addition, the institutions serve to cultivate morality is religion. We need to structure a corresponding duty. The legislation needs to control the standard of teaching. Ethics principles are considered the absolute rule. The focus of this study is on appropriate and measurable structures. Propositions unrelated to the courses of Curriculum design the moral indoctrination Key points of Education Knowledge unethical may reflect knowledge-based decision-making. Researchers found out that the flaw of this idea is to adhere to scientific methods so that people cannot reach their beliefs and morality.

To sum up, conduct of ethics needs to be cultivated in the conscious of mankind. The first priority is to know about the goodness of inner moral. In other word, training or education also nourish the spiritual and intellectual growth as appropriate. Instilling a sense of familiarity seeks a common understanding. The philosophy behind the innovative concept meets a centerline.

Discussion of findings

1.The medieval philosophy shows that Christianity has played a leadership role in emphasizing the teaching of Christ. However, the problem the use of religious powers beyond its boundaries, sometimes such as the use of power off-ear closure to the pursuit of the new knowledge which was held as the only way not to know the situation of an uncertain authority for its knowledge. Therefore, it was afraid that new things would weaken their existing powers and used a way to deal with those who created new knowledge by punishment. (Bunchua, 2008, p. 86) Religion was regarded as the highest knowledge of human beings the purpose was that men should behave in a moral or ethical pretty good at contributing to coexist happily and not to encroach on each other.

Hegel said that ethics is not a matter of alternative that makes ethical life a social institution, The social and secondary role of an individual expression as human beings is not only responsible as social, but they have a personal life necessary for the standard level. Many things come from the people around, and some things come from the people. The virtue in practice means intellectual virtue, practical wisdom, and moral virtue.

2.The modern philosophy created a program designed to instill ethics that is arranged systematically. Focused on educational knowledge, teaching virtue for knowledge, may not reflect through knowledge-based decisions. More than that, training or education to nourish the spiritual and intellectual growth pass to life. Spare time to study how to understand the lesson practices or cultivates a sense of familiarity and expertise, the same as seeking a common understanding for collaboration, building confidence, and finding ways to instill ethics, for good or for all people.

However, the researcher argued the modern philosophy emphasizing on the use of more reasoning beyond the condition of reality. Therefore, it is needed to consider reasonableness. The reason is useful, but it must accept its borders and its compounds according to the actual situation. Hence, moral principles are consistent. It is a good code of conduct. The emphasis on teaching does not aim to give material knowledge. Conducting goal is to create a new model as an example of adhering to ethical principles, both personally and socially, which require critical thinking concept by analyzing, separating issues, evaluating each point, and synthesizing it clearly. Not only that, practice needs to hold three principles: To face the problem bravely, to evaluate consistently and to take action responsibly. The key is to use common sense to create new standards and practices, helping people make the right decisions, creating an atmosphere for people to be curious and seeking to expand their understanding. The advantages of encouraging standards can affect real life. (Bunchua, 2008, pp. 212-217)

For this reason, we should focus on creating and developing values based on good ethics, in order to promote good ethical behavior (Walsh, 1969) Aristotle indicates that the ethical principles of life must be cultivated through human conscience which can be considered as an important origin in the decisions of ethical actions that connect morality with human happiness. The highest goodness that a human being requires is a happy life. It is clear that human goodness is happiness.

In conclude: The finding of this the research found out that the moderate postmodern philosophy is to be used as an appropriate guideline to cultivate Christian ethics. Significantly it was considered to be in line with both the concept and current way of life.

Suggestions

1.Suggestions for bringing up the research results into applications
In Thailand, the current trend of society is progressing and developing in various aspects. Many people have studied digital social technology behind the mind. They are revolving aimlessly in their minds. There is a gap in the life of morality because of the lack of ethics or just doing things, but they never go deeply into the conscience. In addition, they lack a purposeful life, or the core value of living. They mostly enjoy life with a specific event in society and focus more on the materialism. This will affect the cutting standards in the conduct. The character becomes a scam, creating instead of truth in mind, bombs fabricated.

It is therefore proposed to consider setting the course. Teaching in the institute of seminary and in the church for those who cultivate Christian ethics will bringing the research conclusions into planning and consideration, Procedures or guidelines for Separate participants to create the right teaching method, is seriously aware of the life of the house, with a good moral conscience, which has a great responsibility for the courage to keep things good.

2.Suggestion for the further research
In this study, the purpose of the researchers was to study whether the moderate postmodern philosophy that could be cultivated of Christian ethics, or not. If further studies is to contribute to the academic circles of Christianity, the institution has to produce religious teachers for the Church, which is the source of instilling ethical matters. Suggestion for further research is to study the roles and skills of teachers of religion in cultivating
Christian ethics.

Reference

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