Ethical Systems Overview

Questions and Answers

How did the greater prophets view the role of ritual in Israel's religion?

They did not outright reject ritual but protested its exaltation over righteousness.

What was Ezekiel's specific call regarding worship practices?

Ezekiel called for a purified ritual as an integral part of worshiping Yahweh.

What contemporary parallel is drawn regarding ritual observances in modern Christianity?

Christians should not object to rituals that enhance worship but should protest when rituals replace righteousness.

In what context should the messages of the prophets be understood?

The messages should be understood in both individual and social contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might arise regarding the nature of the prophets' roles?

They may be misunderstood as individual geniuses rather than as part of a religious community. Signup and view all the answers

What message did the Hebrew prophets convey to both the powerful and the humble?

Their message emphasized that everyone, regardless of status, must obey the will of Yahweh. Signup and view all the answers

How did the prophets challenge the popular mores of their time?

They were lone figures who publicly criticized the prevailing religious practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the evolution of individual responsibility from Amos to Ezekiel?

The perceived growth in individual responsibility may be overstated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ritual in the context of the covenant relationship in Israel?

Ritual was deeply embedded in the covenant and should enhance, not overshadow, righteousness. Signup and view all the answers

What core principle did the prophets advocate for regarding worship?

They advocated that true worship requires righteousness beyond mere ritual compliance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Systems

Ethical systems can be classified as deontological (duty-centered) or teleological (end-centered).
Deontological systems determine morality based on inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, character, or intentions.
Teleological systems evaluate actions based on the end results produced.
Relativism, introduced by Scott B. Rae, suggests that moral truths are not absolute but vary across cultures (cultural relativism) or personal preferences (moral subjectivism).
Geisler identifies six significant ethical viewpoints:
- Antinomianism: No moral norms exist.
- Situationism: One absolute law exists - the law of love.
- Generalism: Acknowledges some general laws, but no specific ones.
- Unqualified absolutism: Norms never conflict.
- Conflicting absolutism: Many absolute norms may conflict, obligating adherence to the lesser evil.
- Graded absolutism: Multiple absolute laws can conflict, but the higher law takes precedence.

Christian Ethical Perspective

Protestantism emphasizes that no individual or group has exclusive understanding of Christian moral truth.
The Church functions as a fellowship centered on Christ, comprising fallible human beings influenced by various societal institutions.
Ethical standards from secular institutions can infiltrate church practices, risking secularization rather than fostering Christian transformation.
Churches own property and engage in economic practices that may not reflect their ethical ideals.
The Old Testament underscores that God is the ultimate authority over human affairs, intertwining power, righteousness, and grace.
The concept of the covenant links to moral responsibility and the hope of redemption, highlighting obedience to God.

Historical Context and Prophetic Messages

Israel’s covenant with God foreshadows Christian teachings, establishing the Church as a "new Israel" centered on Christ.
Covenantal obligations call for moral responsibility, which is foundational for societal justice.
Prophets of Israel conveyed messages demanding ethical behavior, rebuking immorality, and challenging societal norms.
Ritualistic aspects of worship were not outright rejected; instead, the emphasis was on preventing these rituals from overshadowing genuine righteousness.
Prophetic messages addressed both individual and communal ethical obligations, affirming that all Israelites, including leaders, must obey divine will.

Description

Explore the classification of ethical systems in this quiz, including deontological and teleological approaches. Delve into relativism and significant ethical viewpoints identified by Geisler, such as antinomianism and situationism. Test your understanding of these moral theories and their implications.