Exploring Jesus Christ's Moral Development According to Kohlberg's Stages

Albert Einstein once remarked that far, far beyond. there does not exist on this world and has never existed excepting Jesus himself a 'fully awakened soul.' This statement encapsulates the profound magnitude of Jesus Christ's spiritual and moral state, often presented in theological discourse. However, it's intriguing to consider how his moral development aligns with psychological theories such as Kohlberg's stages of moral development. While David Kohlberg extensively studied and theorized about moral development based on rational thought, Jesus Christ's approach to morality was intrinsically soul-oriented and deeply spiritual. This article aims to explore Jesus Christ's moral development within the framework of Kohlberg's stages.

Understanding Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

First, let's introduce Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development, as proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg in the 1960s. These stages describe the progression from basic pre-conventional morality to sophisticated post-conventional morality:

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation - Individuals conform to the rules to avoid punishment. Stage 2: Self-Interest Orientation - Individuals act according to what is personally in their best interest. Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships Orientation - Individuals act to maintain social relationships and harmony. Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order Orientation - Individuals act to uphold social order and the authority of laws. Stage 5: Consequentialism or Social Contract Orientation - Individuals act based on the consequences of their actions. Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation - Individuals act in accordance with their own ethical principles, even if these conflict with laws or norms.

Jesus Christ: Beyond Pre-Conventionality

According to Kohlberg's stages, stages 1 and 2 represent pre-conventional morality, where ethical guidelines are primarily shaped by external rules and rewards or punishments. It is evident that Jesus Christ's teachings and actions surpassed these initial stages. For instance, in Matthew 23:2-3, Jesus criticizes the need for outward religious rituals, stating, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you.” This critique indicates Jesus' rejection of blind obedience and self-interest.

From Social Harmony to Universal Principles

As we move through Kohlberg's stages, the third and fourth stages involve a concern for maintaining social relationships and upholding laws. While Jesus emphasized both accountability and relational harmony, his teachings and actions transcend these concepts. In Matthew 5:44-45, he instructs his followers, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” This passage reflects a deep commitment to universal principles that extend beyond social relationships and legal obligations.

Jesus Christ's Special Kindergarten Analogy

The analogy of a kindergarten child explaining a scientific concept provided by Jesus is particularly illuminating, suggesting that a simple and pure understanding often transcends complex theoretical constructs. In his teachings about the soul and the mind, Jesus (as referenced in the text) emphasizes that the teachings of the New Testament, as we know them today, have been altered and mistranslated. He asserts, “You need to know its been severely altered misunderstood and mistranslated in many places. It has things he never said things he said differently and so on.” This indicates that his moral and spiritual understanding far surpasses the conventional wisdom of his time and even of contemporary analytical approaches like Kohlberg's.

Conclusion: The Fully Awakened Soul

While Kohlberg’s stages provide a useful framework for understanding human moral development, they fall short in capturing the essence of Jesus Christ's moral state. His teachings and actions suggest a moral development that extends well beyond conventional reasoning, aligning with the idea of the fully awakened soul. This state is characterized by a profound and unshaken spiritual understanding that transcends the conventional stages of moral development.

In summary, while Jesus Christ's moral development is not directly describable within the confines of Kohlberg's stages, his teachings and actions indicate a moral understanding that far outstrips these conventional stages. His moral development can be seen as a continuous journey towards a universal ethical principle orientation, representing a moral summit that few, if any, have reached.

References:

Kohlberg, L. (1981). The Philosophy of Moral Development: Moral stages and the idea of justice. Harper Row. JJ, D. (2023). The Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East. URL: [Provided URL] New Testament Manuscripts. (n.d.). URL: Bible Gateway