Old Testament Ethics and Public Discourse: On the Public-ness of Ethical Discourse and the Ethics in Public Discourse of the Bible

Old Testament Ethics and Public Discourse: On the Public-ness of Ethical Discourse and the Ethics in Public Discourse of the Bible

Philip CHIA

The essay begins by probing into the possibility of public ethics. It attempts to engage the relational situation of Old Testament ethics as part of biblical ethics, on the one hand, and public discourse as the sphere of discourse for the living reality of the Bible believing people of God, on the other hand. The relationship between public and private in terms of religion in public life for God's people comes to the forefront as questions concerning the identity of the readers or adherers of Old Testament ethics are being raised. The Bible, as a legacy of human wisdom within a civilization, provides resources for humanity in times of trials and trouble, as when faced with moment of life crisis or century crossroad. These prompt the demand for its participation and contribution in public discourses on ethical issues of common concern for humanity. Proposing five fundamental thematic concepts (creation, law, national foundation, justice/righteousness, and wisdom) for reflection on Old Testament ethics, the study concludes with the full understanding that, being in its infant stage, Old Testament ethics demands a thorough understanding of creation theology, beginning with Genesis, as the foundation for theistic discourse on public ethics. This study highlights the proposition that “relationship” is central to Old Testament ethics; relationships between the creator, humankind and the world they live. The differences in understanding their relationship, as reflected in different cultural heritage, represent the richness and shortcoming of their respective public cultural discourses.