EDUC740-DBF8

“The norms of religious faith are often referred to as moral norms, in contrast to ethical norms established through reason” (Rebore, 2014, p. 14). However, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (PR 1:7, KJV). Still, we must acknowledge, “The Spiritual leader’s task is to move people from where they are to where God wants them to be” (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001, p. 20). Within these three elements are the foundational similarities and differences between these three works.

Morality is bigger than ethics as it has a foundation in the creator of the universe: GOD. Morality is a foundation that goes into ethics but does not necessarily formulate and ethical worldview. For those with a Godly foundation, the inherent knowledge of morality is a spiritual one. It is that value which Christians try to emulate, and in doing so, where they provide leadership. Ethical leaders may be moral, but they do not know the source of their ethical morays the way a Christian knows the indwelt Christ. It is within that honor, that glory, that fear, that Christians find their roots, their moral roots, which lend themselves to ethical leadership. The idea that ethical leaders have their foundations through reason pays ignorant head to the foundation that reason comes from man, and man came from God. Through the insights of a moral foundation in Christ, and the indwelt Spirit, the educational leader can provide hands and feet to the living Christ in the world today, and in doing so, aid in the purpose of God. There can be no greater gift.

References

Blackaby, H. T., & Blackaby, R. (2001). Spiritual leadership: Moving people on to God's agenda. Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Rebore, R. (2014. The Ethics of Educational Leadership. (2nd Ed.). New York: Pearson.

Topic: Compare and contrast Rebore (especially chapters 1–3), Blackaby & Blackaby, and Proverbs. Discuss how the ethics of educational leadership are determined. In what areas do the various sources agree and where do they disagree? With which view do you most agree?