Christian and Buddhist Moral Teachings: Key Principles and Parables

Sanctity of Life

Genesis 1:27 - Human life is sacred → against murder, supports protecting life.

Do not murder.

Exodus 20:13 - Killing is morally wrong; used in Crime & Punishment and Peace topics.

Love your neighbour

Mark 12:31 - Treat everyone with respect → supports fairness and compassion.

Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12 - Ethical behaviour; punishment should be fair, not cruel.

Forgive others

Matthew 6:14-15 - Rehabilitation and second chances are important.

Beatitudes

Matthew 5:3-12 - Value of peace, mercy, and humility.

Love God

Matthew 22:37 - Moral behaviour is based on devotion to God.

Stewardship

Genesis 2:15 - Duty to protect the environment and world.

Justice

Micah 6:8 - Christians must act fairly and pursue justice.

God knows us

Psalm 139 - All actions are seen by God → moral accountability.

Live peacefully

Romans 12:18 - Peaceful conflict resolution is preferred.

Equality in Christ

Galatians 3:28 - No discrimination; all humans have equal worth.

Help the poor

Proverbs 19:17 - Compassion and social justice are required.

Against revenge

Romans 12:17-19 - Punishment should not be based on retaliation.

Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37 - Help everyone, even those outside your group.

Sheep & Goats

Matthew 25:31-46 - Helping those in need is central to Christian morality.

Do not judge harshly

Matthew 7:1-2 - Be fair and avoid condemning others.

Let he who is without sin...

John 8:1-11 - Show mercy; don't punish excessively.

Obey authorities

Romans 13:1-4 - Laws and justice systems maintain order.

God loves the world

John 3:16 - God's love guides moral behaviour.

Body is a temple

1 Corinthians 6:19 - Respect your own body → against harm or misuse.

Creation is good

Genesis 1 - The world should be cared for, not destroyed.

Patience and kindness

1 Corinthians 13 - Christian love involves good character and behaviour.

The Fall

Genesis 3 - Humans are imperfect → explains moral evil.

Crucifixion of Jesus

Gospels - Forgiveness, sacrifice, overcoming evil with love.

Five Precepts

Basic moral rules that prevent harm and wrongdoing.

First Precept (no harm)

Non-violence; supports peaceful approaches.

Second Precept (no stealing)

Moral foundation for respect of property and honesty.

Third Precept (responsible behaviour)

Respect for others' relationships and wellbeing.

Fourth Precept (no lies)

Honesty is essential for trust and justice.

Fifth Precept (avoid intoxication)

Clear mind prevents unskilful or criminal actions.

Karma (Kamma)

Actions have consequences → moral responsibility.

Samsara

Behaviour affects future rebirths; encourages moral living.

Three Poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance)

Root causes of suffering and crime.

Compassion (Karuna)

Help others and reduce suffering.

Loving-kindness (Metta)

Promote goodwill and prevent harm or conflict.

Ahimsa (non-violence)

Rejects violence and cruelty.

Right Action (Eightfold Path)

Ethical behaviour is essential for peace.

Right Livelihood

Choose jobs that avoid causing harm (e.g., avoid weapons).

Right Speech

Speak truthfully and avoid harm with words.

Right Effort

Actively prevent unskilful behaviour.

Four Noble Truths

Understanding suffering helps address its causes.

Noble Eightfold Path

Pathway to ending suffering through good conduct.

Anatta (no fixed self)

People can change → supports rehabilitation.

Anicca (impermanence)

Situations and people can improve.

Dukkha (suffering)

Actions should reduce suffering for all.

Goal of ending suffering

Peaceful solutions are preferred.

Parable of the Poisoned Arrow

Focus on solving problems, not blame.

Engaged Buddhism

Modern Buddhists work for peace and justice.

Hatred is never appeased by hatred

Dhammapada - Only compassion overcomes conflict and violence.