Deepthi 2022

OT uses these words in reference to Morality, it
refrains from calling specific characters “complete’’
or “perfect’’, gave a few notable exceptions (eg.
Noah David, Job).
Psalms and proverbs speak on generic levels
of those who are “complete’’ associating them with
the “upright’’ (eg: Ps 37:37) and “righteous’’ (Prov
20:7) in contrast to those who are “crooked’’ (Prov
28:18). The OT suggests that “completeness of the
heart’’ may not necessarily entail sinless perfection
(Gen 20:4-6; 1 Kings 9:4).
Greek words related to Telos also have to do
with “completion’’. Many texts using these words
speak of the completion of either an activity (Lk
2:39) or a period of time (Mtt 24:6) when applied
in the ethical sphere, these words can refer to the
final goal, outcome, purpose or result of one’s actions.
As (Rom 6:22) puts it, “But now that you
have been freed from sin and enslaved to God,
the advantage you get is sanctification. The end
(telos) is eternal life’’. These words can also refer
to moral maturity and completeness. Thus in (1
Cor 14:20) Paul admonishes his readers not to be
“children’’ (Paidea) in their thinking but rather to
be “mature’’ (telenoi).
Given the emphasis on human sinfulness in
scripture, the qualifications that Biblical scholars
placed on the type of ethical perfection they envision,
and the differences between biblical terms
and modern conceptions of perfection, it may be
useful to abandon the language of “perfection’’
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while retaining the biblical concepts of “tmm’’ and
“telos”, understanding in the sense of “completeness’’,
“maturity” and “integrity’’.
In recent times many have been reluctant to
embrace different types of perfection. Psychologically,
the quest for perfection in oneself and others
ofter is seen problematic. In the studies of
Martha Nussbaum about emotions, denounces
ideals of perfection both as unattainable and a failing
to do justice to human contigency and frailty.
Regarding medical genetics, Joel Shuman raises
concern about modernist notions of perfection that
drive technological and scientific progress. Philosophically
Kennet Burke characterizes humanity
as ‘’rotten with perfection’’, showing how individuals
seek to prefect the negative. Although
many ethical systems retain a theological focus,
the quest for human perfection in this life frequently
meets with scepticism.
Bibliography
1. Bounds, C, ‘’The Doctrine of Christian Perfection
in the Apostolic Fathers’’. (Wes: TJ42,
2007); 7-27.
2. Gregory of Nyssa, ‘’On perfection’’. (New
York: Catholic University of America Press,
1967) 93-124.
3. Nussbaum, M, ‘’Upheavals of Thought: The
Intelligence of Emotions’’. (Cambridge: University
Press, 2001) 174.
4. Wesley, J, ‘’Christian Perfection’’ (Vol. 2;
Abingdon, 1985) 141.
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