Single Idea 6286

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 4. Value of Authority]

Full Idea

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Gist of Idea

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy

Source

Jesus (reports [c.32]), quoted by St Matthew - 01: Gospel of St Matthew 05.07

Book Reference

'The Bible', ed/tr. the Church [Collins 1950], p.458


A Reaction

This appears to be a straightforward application of social contract morality, with God playing the role of Hobbes' absolute monarch. It highlights the uncomfortable fact at the heart of Christian morality, that the motivation for altruism is selfish.