Chapter 2

A synopsis of Orthodox Christian Ethics

1. The Good-The good can be summarized as the natural moral law or non-revelatory good, and
the identification of the Good with God alone, which is revelatory
2. Evil- While from an orthodox perspective there exists the potential for a darkening of the divine
image and the possibility of not achieving Theosis, there is not a vanquishing of “human moral
capabilities.” Orthodox ethics in this regard is neither overly optimistic nor does it tend to
exaggerate the pessimistic.
3. The natural moral law is insufficient and therefore does not adequately address the human
condition. The Orthodox Christian ethic is divine in origin and thus most fully appropriate to the
ethical process. Harakas terms this, the Evangelical Ethic.
4. The Evangelical Ethic, Harakas articulates “points to” the objective modes and appropriate ways
of behavior most befitting a life that leads to Theosis. The universal modes of behavior reflect
the modes of the Trinity as expressed in the filoque controversy, that is absolute standards or
rules of ethics as expressed in canon law, including the ethical teaching and penitential system
of the Church. The appropriate ways of behavior Harakas conveys, are the Christian practice of
agape for neighbor and God.
5. Being moral or ethical implies conformity to the Image of God as exemplified by Christ and the
Saints
6. Ethical descion making involves ‘diakrisis’ (discernment) and considers the following:
The Right (law and Rules), Consequences, Intent, motives, means, values and disvalues,
perception of the situation, and decision making as an ecclesial-corporate process

7. The ‘Politeia of Theosis’ is the action, that is, the final step in the ethical course. This
undertaking Harakas suggests, never occurs in isolation-it is Eucharistic. It also incorporates
Christian virtues, chief among them askesis or the struggle against the passions. Furthermore,
Theosis is only possible in cooperation with the Divine Energies. What the author intends to
impart here is that Theosis and indeed ethical decision making are characteristically synergistic.