The significance of postmodernism for theological ethics - A reformulation of Lutheran ethics

Protestant Christianity seems to have a strong affinity to the secular thinking of modernity, in so far as both emphasize human freedom. But, as Oswald Bayer asks in his ethical works, what exactly is the relationship between the two? The article treats this question indirectly, by discussing the significance of postmodernism for theological ethics. Starting with Lyotard's diagnosis, some aspects of the relationship between postmodernism and ethics are exhibited. As the main source for presenting postmodern moral philosophy E. Wyschogrod's Saints and Postmodernism is chosen. As her most original contribution her analysis of the role of corporeal sensing for recognizing the moral significance of the other is emphasized. This, and her claim that philosophical theories are not able to adequately represent moral life, is used as the background for reformulating two central features of Lutheran ethics; faith-love, and the relationship between Christian neighbour love and general social ethics. In particular, the role Wyschogrod attributes to corporeal exposure is seen as a valuable contribution to reconstructing the significance of the relationship to God in Lutheran ethics.