The Biblical and Cross-Cultural Ethics of Greeting

This paper examines the ethical dimensions of greetings as fundamental expressions of human interaction, drawing from biblical foundations and cross-cultural perspectives. Through an interdisciplinary analysis of scriptural texts, anthropological evidence, and contemporary social practices, this study argues that greetings function as moral gestures that establish respect, acknowledge dignity, and foster relational ethics. The research particularly focuses on African cultural traditions, biblical precedents, and their implications for modern society. Findings suggest that the erosion of greeting practices in contemporary culture correlates with diminished communal values and interpersonal respect. The paper concludes with recommendations for recovering greeting ethics in educational, religious, and social contexts to promote character formation and peaceful coexistence.