Christian Approaches to Moral Decision-Making

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Questions and Answers

In a heteronomous approach to Christian ethics, what role does the Bible primarily play?

  • It provides a comprehensive set of explicit rules for all ethical decisions.
  • It is a historical document with little relevance to modern ethical issues.
  • It is considered non-propositional, offering narratives and teachings that require interpretation. (correct)
  • It is the sole source of ethical authority, with no need for interpretation.

What is a key strength of the heteronomous approach?

  • It integrates multiple sources of authority, including the Bible, Church tradition, and human reason. (correct)
  • It relies exclusively on the individual's understanding of the Bible.
  • It avoids any involvement of the community in ethical discussions.
  • It strictly adheres to literal interpretations of biblical texts.

How does the heteronomous approach address modern ethical dilemmas not directly discussed in the Bible?

  • It relies heavily on individual interpretations, regardless of consequences.
  • It ignores them, focusing solely on biblical texts.
  • It seeks guidance *only* from historical traditions.
  • It uses reason and Church teaching to adapt to new challenges. (correct)

What is a potential weakness of the heteronomous approach?

<p>It can face conflict when the Bible, Church tradition, and reason offer contradictory guidance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the heteronomous approach emphasize regarding community and collective decision-making?

<p>It values diverse perspectives and ensures a balanced and inclusive ethical teaching. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best describes an exclusion of diverse perspectives within the heteronomous ethical framework?

<p>It can occur, especially when relying heavily on Church tradition, potentially marginalizing certain groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of Church Synods, as mentioned in the context of the heteronomous approach?

<p>To bring clergy and laity together to discuss and make decisions on ethical matters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What guides the decision making process during Church synods?

<p>Communal prayer and discussion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central principle of ethics, according to Rudolf Bultmann?

<p>Love your neighbour as yourself. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Autonomous Christian ethics views the Bible primarily as:

<p>A statement of the guiding truth of agape love. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Quaker perspective on the Bible?

<p>It is a significant source of inspiration, not the literal word of God. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quaker Christians believe that faith should be:

<p>Personal, rooted in inner conviction, and developed through shared truth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental basis of Quaker moral outlook?

<p>Belief that there is something of God in everyone. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fletcher's Situation Ethics, what is the sole guiding principle for moral decision-making?

<p>Agape love. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Fletcher's Situation Ethics emphasize about moral rules?

<p>They should be evaluated individually based on agape love. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fletcher, how should conscience be understood within situation ethics?

<p>An active process guided by agape love and reason. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fletcher's radical Christian ethics, which of the following is a characteristic of agape?

<p>Being understood based on the consequence of the situation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Paul Tillich proposed that Christian ethics should be guided by which hierarchy of norms?

<p>Love being supreme, supported by wisdom and justice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tillich mean by 'moral Puritanism'?

<p>A rigid adherence to fixed rules and moral decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Tillich, how should traditional laws and biblical commands be viewed?

<p>They should be interpreted through the lens of love, in each situation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of autonomous ethics according to the text?

<p>Flexibility and sensitivity to real-life situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bishop J.A.T. Robinson mean by the phrase 'a perfect ethic for man come of age'?

<p>A call for people to make adult autonomous ethical decisions informed by love. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Robinson, what role does agape love play in ethical decision-making?

<p>It is a guide that directs people to act for the most important need. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between heteronomous and autonomous ethical approaches?

<p>Heteronomous ethics prioritises rules set by an external authority, while autonomous ethics emphasises self-directed decision-making. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Non-Propositional Bible

The Bible is seen as a source of guidance, but not a direct source of ethical rules. Instead, it's interpreted through a combination of Church traditions and reason.

Heteronomous Ethics

Ethical decisions in this approach rely on a combination of teachings from the Bible, Church traditions, and human reason.

Integration of Multiple Sources

The strength of heteronomous ethics lies in its ability to incorporate various sources of authority, creating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of ethical principles.

Addressing Modern Dilemmas

Heteronomous ethics can adapt to new and complex ethical challenges that weren't specifically addressed in the Bible by relying on reasoning and Church teachings.

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Community and Collective Decision-Making

This approach emphasizes the importance of community and collective decision-making in ethical matters, allowing for diverse perspectives within the Church to be considered.

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Difficulty Reconciling Contradictory Sources

Reconciling contradictory guidance from the Bible, Church tradition, and reason can be challenging, leading to uncertainty and weakened authority in ethical decisions.

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Exclusion of Diverse Perspectives

The reliance on Church tradition in heteronomous ethics can lead to the exclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly from marginalized groups, resulting in incomplete or biased ethical teachings.

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Synods in Anglican Church

Synods, where clergy and laity come together to discuss ethical matters, exemplify the principle of community and collective decision-making in heteronomous ethics.

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What is Fletcher's definition of agape?

Agape love, as defined by Fletcher, is inherently good, a guiding principle for Christians, and another way of talking about justice.

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What are Tillich's 3 norms for Christian ethics?

Tillich believed that Christian ethics should be guided by justice, love, and wisdom, with love being the most important, supported by wisdom and justice.

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What did Tillich criticize about traditional moral decision-making?

Tillich criticized strict adherence to fixed rules, which he called moral Puritanism. He advocated for a person-centred approach focusing on love and specific situations instead of hypothetical ones.

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How did Tillich view traditional laws and commands?

Tillich believed that traditional laws and commands represent past wisdom, but should not be applied unconditionally. Ultimate authority should lie with the individual's thoughtful consideration in each situation, interpreting rules through the lens of love.

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According to Tillich, how should moral decisions be made?

Tillich's approach suggests that moral decisions should be made based on love and the specific context, rather than strictly following established laws or doctrines.

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What is autonomous ethics?

Autonomous ethics allows for flexibility and sensitivity to real-life complexities, moving beyond rigid rules that may not always fit unique circumstances.

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What are the benefits of autonomous ethics?

Autonomous ethics prioritises love, empowering individuals to make compassionate, just, and responsible decisions. It aligns with Jesus' emphasis on love and mercy over strict legalism.

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What did Robinson say about following rules?

Robinson argued that unquestioningly following rules is childish, while adults should make autonomous ethical decisions guided by the rule of love. He described agape love as a built-in moral compass.

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Autonomous Christian Ethics: Bible as Moral Guide

The belief that the Bible is the ultimate source of moral guidance, with its central principle being "agape" love, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching to love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

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Quaker Christian Ethics: Inner Conviction and Shared Truth

Quakers believe the Bible, while a source of inspiration, is not the literal "word of God", and that faith should be a personal journey towards truth through inner conviction and collective exploration.

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Situation Ethics: Agape Love as Sole Principle

Joseph Fletcher's Situation Ethics emphasizes "agape" love as the sole guiding principle for moral choices, valuing love above any rigid rules.

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Situation Ethics: Love Above Rules

Situation Ethics rejects strict rules and focuses on evaluating each situation individually, considering the needs and circumstances.

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Situation Ethics: Conscience as Active Reasoning

Fletcher's Situation Ethics views conscience as an active process, constantly working towards applying love, rather than simply following fixed rules.

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Quaker View: God in Everyone

The belief that God is present in everyone, making each person inherently valuable.

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Quaker Ethics: Value and Equality

Quakers believe that all people deserve equal respect and oppose any actions harming them.

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Situation Ethics: Reasoned Love

Focusing on "agape" love as a principle requires thoughtful and demanding application of reason, not simply acting on feelings.

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Study Notes

Christian Approaches to Moral Decision-Making

  • Theonomous Christian Ethics:

    • Derived from Greek words "theos" (God) and "nomos" (law)
    • God is the source of moral law, revealed in the Bible
    • Bible's teachings are the ultimate authority for determining right and wrong
    • Challenges arise in interpreting and applying Biblical teachings to modern dilemmas
    • Sola Scriptura: The Bible is the sole source of authority in Christian ethics, viewed as divinely inspired.
    • Divine Inspiration: Prophets and apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God's will.
    • Infallibility: The Bible is without error in its teachings, especially regarding faith and morality. This is key to the theonomous view.

  • Human Sinfulness and Divine Guidance:

    • The Fall: Human nature is inherently sinful, incapable of fully understanding moral truths through reason alone.
    • Propositional Revelation: God reveals Himself through clear statements in the Bible, which are accepted as absolute truths.

  • Covenant Relationships in the Bible:

    • Covenant: A sacred agreement between God and humanity
    • Five Foundational Covenants:
      • Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants
      • These outlined ethical behavior.

  • The Mosaic Covenant and the Ten Commandments:

    • Encapsulate God's moral expectations for personal and communal life.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: The New Covenant

  • Key Teachings:
    • Expansion of the Law - Jesus reinterpreted Old Testament laws, focusing on internal attitudes.
    • Love God and Love Your Neighbor - core of ethical living.
    • Parables (Good Samaritan, Sheep and Goats) - Illustrate the importance of compassion and faith demonstrated through action.

Strengths of Theonomous Ethics

  • The Bible as a Comprehensive Moral Guide: The Bible is considered a complete moral guide due to God's infallible nature.
  • Bishop Rowan Williams' Parable Analogy: The Bible functions as a narrative.
  • Ethics Illustrated through Real-Life Situations: Real-life stories (e.g., David and Bathsheba, Good Samaritan)

Weaknesses of Theonomous Ethics

  • Contradictory Commands: Apparent conflicts between Old and New Testament teachings; often explained by context.
  • Problems of Articulating God's Words: Limitations of human language to fully express God's infinite wisdom.
  • Complex Metaphorical Language: Potential for varied interpretations of figurative language.
  • Karl Barth and Bibliolatry: Dangers of idolatry regarding the Bible.
  • Modern Ethical Issues: The Bible does not directly address many modern ethical issues, requiring interpretation and reasoning.

Heteronomous Christian Ethics

  • Explanation of the Heteronomous Approach: Integrates Bible, Church tradition, and human reason for moral authority.
  • Challenges of Solely Relying on the Bible: Issues with addressing modern ethical dilemmas (science, technology) not mentioned in the Bible.
  • The Bible as Non-Propositional: Interpretation needed.

Strengths of Heteronomous Ethics

  • Integration of Multiple Sources of Authority: Strengthens moral reasoning.
  • Ability to Address Modern Ethical Dilemmas: Adaptable to new ethical issues.
  • Community and Collective Decision-Making: Encourages broader perspectives.

Weaknesses of Heteronomous Ethics

  • Difficulty in Reconciling Contradictory Sources: Possible conflicts between the sources.
  • Exclusion of Diverse Perspectives: Potential for incomplete or biased viewpoints.

The Catholic Tradition

  • Explanation of Church Tradition: Passed-down teachings and practices, complementing Scripture.
  • Explanation of Apostolic Succession: Line of authority from apostles, giving authority to Church teachings and leaders.
  • Criterion of Apostolicity and Authority: Teachings derived from apostles are authoritative.
  • The Three Sources of Authority: Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium.
  • Explanation of Sacred Tradition: Doctrines, practices passed down from apostles.
  • Explanation of Sacred Scripture: The Bible, inspired by God, without error in moral teachings.
  • Explanation of the Magisterium: Church's official teaching authority (Pope and bishops).

Catholic Tradition (continued)

  • The Three Levels of the Magisterium: Ordinary (everyday), extraordinary (infallible), and universal (universally held) Magisterium.
  • Infallible Statements: Pope's infallible statements on matters of faith and morals.
  • Encyclicals: Pope's letters addressing important faith and moral issues.
  • Catechism of the Catholic Church: Comprehensive exposition of Catholic doctrine.

Catholic Tradition (continued)

  • The Catholic Church and Natural Law: Human reason guided by natural law can discern moral truths.
  • Catholicism and Liberation Theology: Emphasis on social justice, sometimes different from traditional teachings.
  • Strengths: Apostolic Succession, integration of Scripture, tradition, reason, stability, and alignment with divine law.
  • Weaknesses: Historical corruption, overemphasis on tradition at the expense of Scripture, potential for human error, imperfect application of human reason and potential for cruel outcomes.

Protestant Tradition

  • Protestant Heteronomy and the Church: Focus on the Bible as primary source of authority over tradition.
  • Protestant Heteronomy and Reason: Reason used to interpret Scripture.
  • Anglican Synod: A governing body for the Church of England.
    • Inclusive decision-making involving clergy and laity.

Autonomous Christian Ethics

  • Explanation of the Autonomous Approach: Individual authority in moral decision-making, guided by agape love.
  • Agape: Self-sacrificing love, exemplified by Jesus.
  • Autonomy: Moral decisions made freely.
  • The Bible as a Comprehensive Moral Guide: The Bible exemplifies agape love, a guiding principle for appropriate behaviors.
  • Quaker Christians: Personal faith, inner conviction, shared truth-seeking.
  • Fletcher's Situation Ethics: Agape love as the sole ethical principle for moral judgments, case-by-case.

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