Abstract
Black religious scholars have been searching for a new social ethic within the black community following Joseph Washington's challenge to Martin Luther King's nonviolent approach. Various approaches have emerged, with some emphasizing militancy, others focusing on social justice and reconciliation, and still others constructing a black communal ethic within Christianity. However, there is no consensus yet, and the need for a new ethical perspective is urgent, as evidenced by the struggles of organizations like S.C.L.C., the National Committee of Black Churchmen, and PUSH. The author proposes seven ethical criteria, including universalism, enlightened self-interest, tolerance, freedom of choice, mutuality, distinctions between claims and their implementation, and enlargement of justice, to guide decision-making in the black community and promote social change.