Modern or postmodern man/woman promotes self above the community in matters of ethical choices. Proponents of such assertive ethical individualism have painted community ethics as backward, primitive and out dated.
This paper argues that assertive ethical individualism runs contrary to the way God intended for humanity to function. Adam and Eve were both “created in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27). A fundamental belief of the Christian faith is that God is triune – there is an intimate relationship (community) within the Godhead. To be created in the image of God among other things means that human beings are fundamentally relational and exist in community.
From the African perspective, the idea of community is essential to existence. A person takes decisions and makes choices as a member of society. The Church is also a community which is the context of each believer’s life through the reading of Scriptures, discipline, and moral choices.