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

Protestant Christianity seems to have a strong affinity to the secular thin king of modernity, in so far as both emphasize human freedom. But, as Oswal d Bayer asks in his ethical works, what exactly is the relationship between the two? The article treats this question indirectly, by discussing the si gnificance of postmodernism for theological ethics. Starting with Lyotard's diagnosis, some aspects of the relationship between postmodernism and ethi cs are exhibited. As the main source for presenting postmodern moral philos ophy E. Wyschogrod's Saints and Postmodernism is chosen. As her most origin al contribution her analysis of the role of corporeal sensing for recognizi ng the moral significance of the other is emphasized. This, and her claim t hat philosophical theories are not able to adequately represent moral life, is used as the background for reformulating two central features of Luther an ethics; faith-love, and the relationship between Christian neighbour lov e 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.