Exploring Hospitality: Ethical, Religious, and Philosophical Aspects

This essay delves into the multifaceted ethics of hospitality, examining its civic and religious obligations, and its philosophical underpinnings. The analysis begins by establishing the ethical and civic duties associated with hospitality, drawing upon religious beliefs and societal expectations. It explores the concept of hospitality as a universal practice essential for community functioning, highlighting the significance of treating strangers with grace. The essay then connects hospitality with Christian practices, emphasizing the importance of welcoming others. The exploration extends to the intersection of hospitality with a 'selfie world,' suggesting that acts of hospitality can stem from a desire for acceptance and compassion. Furthermore, the essay discusses the video's insights on ethics, focusing on normative ethics, and providing guidelines for ethical conduct. The references include works by Swinton, Siddiqui, and sources on the spiritual practice of hospitality.

1. "Do we have a civic and ethical obligation to practice hospitality?"
Yes, we have a civic and ethical obligation to practice hospitality. This obligation often
comes from our religious beliefs and also an expectation from the society which compels
us to do the same that we expect to gain acceptance. The term hospitality covers a wide
range of areas in our lives. This refers to the relationship between oneself and the other
and the latter is treated with Grace in order to be hospitable. The right of hospitality
refers to the natural right of all human beings, even as guests. As guests the individual is
entitled to have certain claims even if it is for a short time period (Siddiqui, 2016). Our
ethical obligation arises from here.
Hospitality is often seen as universal practice. It is the center of efficient functioning of a
society. For instance in order for the communities to function properly, a stranger should
be treated with hospitality. Here lies our civic obligation. Hospitality begins with the
concept of serving the other. The nature of Christian hospitality reveals that Jesus sits
with tax collectors, sinners and others who are alienated by society Jesus has at times
been a host and other times a guests in people’s houses (Swinton, 2015). This is a work
of incarnation where the move from guesting to hosting is an essential mark. In public
space, hospitality can be explored as self-identified sociality which welcomes strangers,
immigrants and even refugees within a country or regional boundary. Migration and
refugees have mobilized the essence of globalization. According to Jacques Derrida,
ethics lead to hospitality and the latter serves as ethics as well. It is like a culture and just
a single ethic. This refers to crossing of boundaries between the self and the other. So
hospitality works as a way of thinking about relations between individuals and analyzing

the way outsiders are received. Here lies the moral justification behind hospitality. One
should expect only what he delivers towards others. So in this sense it is important civic
duty as well.
2. What does this blog say to you with regard to what you have learned from the ancient
religious practices of hospitality? What does it practice hospitality for your own personal
growth? Is there an ethic involved in making the decision to practice hospitality in
a selfie world?
Hospitality teaches us tolerance. In a country of pluralism in terms of religions and even
religious people with different conception of God and religion, they could not live in one place
cordially without tolerance and acceptance. More than anything openness of thoughts really
matter. This blog thus helps us understand that the inner values of people shaped by religion
which often promises eternal life will help them motivate towards practice of hospitality.
Hospitality is referred as spiritual practice and therefore helps people to become spiritual. This
comprises willingness to take risk of welcoming individuals (Spiritual Practice of Hospitality,
2019). Global religions have practiced hospitality as a way of differentiating from other religions
through defining of relationships with others. A selfie world is one where individuals love the
‘self’ and want to portray themselves the way they would love to see themselves. They want to
be liked and loved by others. This kind of longing can indulge them ideally in hospitality. When
they are hospitable towards others it is also a way of showing their compassion and tolerance and
be loved and respected in return as well.

3. What do you hear and understand to be the learning from this video? What is the idea or
philosophy that spoke to you the most? Why?
The video talks about three different kinds of ethics. Ethics is described as the ideal way to act
and what to do in order to be morally right. Now this could also be dependent upon one’s
emotional needs and same principles might not apply for all. Normative ethics are guided by
rules and principles which can decide for us the way to act or help us take proper decision about
the same. I liked the notes on this kind of ethics. Here at least people get some guideline about
the ways they are expected to behave in ethical context. Also this could vary from one scenario
to another. This is simple compared to the other two categories and gives us a definitive sense of
ethical conduct and behavior.
Reference
Swinton, J. (2015). Time, Hospitality, and Belonging: Towards a practical Theology of Mental
Health, Word & World 35(2), 171-181.

Siddiqui, M. (2016). Divine Welcome: The Ethics of Hospitality in Islam and Christianity,
Retrieved from: https://www.abc.net.au/religion/divine-welcome-the-ethics-of-
hospitality-in-islam-and-christiani/10096406
The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality (2019). Retrieved from:
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/literacy-world-features/view/18218/
the-spiritual-practice-of-hospitality