Individual Task 3 – Maximillian Kolbe

1.) Define the term ‘moral integrity’

Moral integrity is a complex and subtle ethical notion.

2.) Describe why Maximillian Kolbe is regarded as a Christian of exemplary moral integrity.

Maximillian is regarded as a Christian of exemplary moral integrity because of how he shows his moral integrity. He shows moral integrity by treating everyone with equal respect. He judged no one as better or worse than anyone else.

3.) Outline Maximillians ethical actions/principles that he demonstrated in Auschwitz.

Maximillian demonstrated a few ethical actions. His main one was sparing his life and taking death for someone else. He also:

• During the second world war, provided shelter to refugees from Greater Poland, including 2,000 Jews whom he hid from Nazi persecution.
• In July 1941 a man from Maximillian’s barracks vanished, prompting the deputy camp commander, to pick 10 men from the same barracks to be starved to death in Block 13, in order to deter further escape attempts. One of the selected men cried out, lamenting his family, and Kolbe volunteered to take his place.
• During his time in the cell, led the men in songs and prayer.

4.) Evaluate whether you think he made the right decision and provide research to support your answer. i.e. Catholic teachings.

I believe he made the right decision in sparing his life for another. He showed true moral integrity and he showed all that he was so generous as to give up his own life to save someone else’s. He also made the right decision in helping the Jews escape Nazi persecution.

~ by ehab94 on April 9, 2008.