Abstract

This chapter deals with the philosophically-theological ethics, which resulted from the merger of ancient and Christian thought and dominated in the Middle Ages. It is characterized by the fact that its content of faith was related to ancient philosophical content. Christian ethics of the Middle Ages deals with the tension between faith and reason (fides et ratio). There is no doubt that the emphasis is on faith; but this includes rational grounds or is separated from them. While Augustine sees the Stoic philosophical ethics as failed and seeks happiness—mediated by faith—in the hereafter, Thomas Aquinas tries to reconcile reason and faith in the wake of Aristotle. Luther finally radicalizes the position of Augustine and distrusts reason. He despairs like Kierkegaard of all his own efforts to avoid sin and sees the salvation of man solely in faith (sola fide).