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@ Vhtech777
2025-05-21 22:59:59
Philosophy and Matthew 25:31–32 (KJV)
> “When the Son of man shall come in his glory… he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.”
This passage from the Gospel of Matthew raises profound philosophical themes about ethics, justice, human freedom, and the meaning of life. Here's how different philosophical traditions might interpret it:
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1. Moral Philosophy – Action Over Words (Kant, Aristotle)
Immanuel Kant emphasized ethics as duty and universal moral law. In this passage, people are judged not by belief but by concrete acts of compassion—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, etc.—aligning with Kantian moral duty.
Aristotle saw ethics as habituated right action, not just theory. The judgment in Matthew reflects this: it’s about lived virtue, not abstract faith.
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2. Existentialism – Freedom and Responsibility (Kierkegaard, Sartre)
Kierkegaard, a Christian existentialist, stressed personal choice before God. The moment of judgment reflects the ultimate confrontation with oneself and the divine.
Jean-Paul Sartre, though atheist, argued that humans are “condemned to be free” and thus fully responsible for their actions. The separation of sheep and goats becomes the moment of existential reckoning.
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3. Political Philosophy – Justice and Authority (Plato, Rawls)
Plato described justice as proper order—each part in its place. The divine sorting in Matthew can be seen as a final act of cosmic justice, restoring moral order.
John Rawls imagined a just society built behind a “veil of ignorance.” The Son of Man acts here as an impartial judge, evaluating not status but love in action.
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4. Meaning of Life – Why Do We Live?
This passage challenges us to ask: What gives life meaning? Not wealth or success, but acts of love and service. Many philosophers agree: the deepest meaning in life lies in giving oneself to others.
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In summary:
Matthew 25:31–32 isn’t just a theological image—it’s a philosophical call to justice, responsibility, and embodied compassion.