Christian Ethics

Christian Ethics

1. JEWISH ROOTS

   • Can obtain absolute moral laws from the Jewish Old Testament.
     • Conformity of behaviour to will of God.
     • Recognition that God can tell people how to behave.
     • Obligation to preserve the covenant relationship.
     • Jewish ethics was law based, whereas Christian ethics now based on happiness, love and salvation
   • Brought consequences of responsibility, obedience, adherence to law and uniqueness.
     • Consequences can be seen in LEVITICUS 20.26
       • 'You shall be holy and belong only to me because I am the Lord and I am holy. I have set you apart from the other nations so that you will belong only to me'

2. THE BIBLE

   • A source of authority, regarded as the Word of God.
     • Fundamentalist Christians hold that the Bible is literally the Word of God - all that is necessary for salvation can be found within the scriptures.
       • 'Salvation history' - WELLHAUSEN & GRAF
         • Idea that there is a common theme throughout the Bible in which God reveals himself by a series of covenants.
           • Covenant = agreements between God and humans.
           • Demonstrates God's love for his world and people.
     • Protestants believe the Bible is the focal point of authority. Any belief must be supported by evidence from Scripture.
       • LUTHER - began Protestant Reformation in 1517.
         • Per sola fide (by faith alone)
           • Concerns salvation, as it's by faith alone that a person is saved.
         • Per sola scriptura (by the Bible alone)
           • Concerns authority of the Bible.
       • Some argue that the Bible is the soul of authority but must be interpreted wisely.
         • Synod = discusses matters of faith and morals as well as practical issues of governance.

3. JESUS

   • The Sermon on the Mount
     • Most concentrated body of ethical teachings in the Gospels.
       • Begins with the Beatitudes: 'Blessed are the poor...'
   • Teachings of Jesus designed to prepare people for the KINGDOM OF GOD
     • Kingdom of God = spiritual kingdom where God rules hearts and minds.
     • AMOS WILDER argues Jesus' teachings are designed to do three things:
       • Instil a sense of guilt/need for repentance
       • Promote idea that K.O.G will soon be realised.
       • Teach attributes that a true disciple needs in the kingdom.

4. EPISTLES OF PAUL

   • Love of neighbour
   • Believes Christians should imitate the virtues of Jesus in their daily lives: meekness, gentleness, humility, generosity, mercy and self-giving love.
     • 'the fruit of the Spirit' Galatians 5:22-23

5. SITUATION ETHICS

   • JOSEPH FLETCHER
   • Didn't like Legalistic or Antinomian Ethics
   • = follow the MOST LOVING course of action.
     • SIX fundamental principles:
       • Love is the only absolute
         • Agape = selfless love
       • Self-giving love
       • Love & justice are the same.
       • Decisions are made depending on the situation.
       • Love must be a final end, not a means to an end.
       • Love is not preferential
     • STRENGTHS
       • Flexibility
       • Practical
       • 'People centred'
     • WEAKNESSES
       • Difficult to determine the consequences of an action.
       • Could possibly justify any action.

6. DIVINE COMMAND THEORY

   • Actions are wrong/right depending on whether they follow God's commandments.
     • TEN COMMANDMENTS (DECALOGUE)
       • GOD
         • Don't worship another Gods. Don't make idols. Don't misuse the name of God. Keep the Sabbath Day holy.
       • MAN
         • Don't murder. Don't lie. Don't steal. Don't be jealous. Don't commit adultery. Honour your mother and father.