Abstract
Worldly practices, in Christian thought, would mean acts considered inappropriate, in that they suck Christians in by things that are harmful to their spiritual lives or cause another to stumble. This challenge is exacerbated by globalization and explains the paradox and dilemma of Christians in the rapidly advancing world. It is this that this chapter investigates in 21st century Nigeria. The work aims at situating Christians as responsible members of the global community freely expressing their fundamental human rights without infringing on the right of others. To achieve this, the chapter utilizes the phenomenological and sociological methods. The chapter discovers that most Nigerians hinging on the freedom platforms provided by the exercise of fundamental human rights show great preference for worldly practices, which is at variance with normal regulations of religion. The chapter recommends a synergetic approach of major faiths in Nigeria for an articulation of moral/spiritual codes, adopted from existing ethical windows for a fresh national moral rebirth and cohesion.
TopConceptual Meaning Of Worldly Practices
The term worldly practice is difficult to define. Etymologically, ‘worldly’ is derived from the Greek ‘κοσμικοσ’ and could be understood in a number of ways which include earthly sanctuary, example is the reference to the building which was the Old Testament Tabernacle in Hebrew ail. No ethical significance accrues to the term as it is used here. In this sense, all things which are in existence in the universe can be called “worldly.” Another is the use of the term in ethical sense, “when it speaks of worldly lusts” as found in Titus 2:12. The word “lusts” depicts sinful desire because it is used in juxtaposition with the word “ungodliness” and speaks of things to be denied by the Christian (https://hittingthematic.wordpress.com, 2008). In this regard, there is a reference that “worldly” can be used to describe a situation that is sinful which should be avoided by Christians. As earlier noted, it could be seen that in neither of the cases cited above is the word “worldly” refers to questionable practices on the part of Christians as in the sense of “worldly” in today’s understanding.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Homosexuality: Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is “an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions” to people of the same sex. Homosexual desire is the affective experience of same-sex attraction. Homosexual behavior occurs when members of the same sex engage in sexual activity.
Christian Teachings: Christian teachings revolves around the central teachings of traditional Christianity which encompasses that Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that his life on earth, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven are proof of God's love for humanity and God's forgiveness of human sins; and that by faith in Jesus one may attain salvation and eternal life. This teaching is embodied in the Christian scripture known as the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, but Christians accept also the Old Testament as sacred and authoritative Scripture.
Worldliness: Worldliness is the predominant passion for obtaining the good things of this life; covetousness; addictedness to gain and temporal enjoyments. While the term worldly often describes individuals who are sophisticated and well-rounded in education, travel, and experiences, it's also used for people who are rooted in the world or focused on physical and material things around them, rather than on spiritual matters.
Moral Principles: Moral principles are ideals that we try to follow in our attempt to live right and be good people, instead of bad. Some common examples of moral principles are honesty, respect, and kindness. If I accept these principles as worthy of guiding my life, then I try to be honest with people, show respect for them, and be kind to them. Most of us have some moral principles whether we know it or not. For example, if someone does something really nice for us, most of us will feel good and say thank you. This is the principle of gratitude, which we may have without really thinking about it. But not everyone has a well-thought-out system of morals. One common approach today is when people just do just about whatever they feel like doing at the moment. Some people avoid having many moral principles so that they feel better about this approach to live. Others may have some principles and use some restraint instead of doing whatever they feel like. Others still may have some principles but go against them whenever they really want to do something would violate them.
Dilemma: A dilemma is a problem offering two possibilities, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable. The possibilities are termed the horns of the dilemma, a clichéd usage, but distinguishing the dilemma from other kinds of predicament as a matter of usage. In such a dilemma, choosing one moral will result in violating another; or, doing one thing could bring positive results but is morally wrong. A common example is stealing from the rich to feed the poor.
Human Rights: Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in municipal and international law. Put differently, human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence.
Unethical Behaviour: Unethical behavior is an action that falls outside of what is considered morally right or proper for a person, a profession, or an industry. Individuals can behave unethically, as can businesses, professionals, and politicians. Ethical behavior on the other hand is doing the things that are right, while unethical behavior is the reverse. In the workplace, unethical behavior certainly includes any deeds that violate the law, such as theft or violence. Examples of unethical behavior can be found in all types of businesses and in many different areas.