Christian Moral Principles

Value

some reality that we recognize to have intrinsic worth.

• a skill that we have to learn

  • learned by watching and then doing it

• eventually, it will become part of your character/ effortless

8 points about value

1. a value must be chosen

2. it must be chosen from an alternative

3. must be chosen after considering the consequences of each alternative

4. a value must be performed

5. a value becomes a pattern of life

6. a value is cherished

7. a value must be publically affirmed

8. a value enhances a person’s total growth

virtue theory

Virtue theory emphasizes moral character development and virtues like honesty, courage, and compassion for a morally good life. Practicing these virtues leads to eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being. Associated with ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle.

Golden mean

the virtuous sweet spot between two vices. the vice of deficiency and the vice of excess.

ex. courage, generosity, kindness…

Eudaimonia

life of human flourishing, pushing yourself to the best you can be

temperance

love bestowing itself fully and without reserve on the object loved. a godly kind of love that loves another righteously.

fortitude

love gladly enduring everything for the one loved

Justice

love serving the beloved alone and therefore ruling others rightly

Prudence

love wisely discerning the means, leading to the good of the beloved amidst obstacles.

• look at the realities and evaluate them correctly

• discern and decide on the action on which those actions demand

4 cardnial virtues

temperance, justice, prudence, fortitude

Faith

adhering to God with unconditional trust and affirming the truth that God has revealed to us.

Hope

Reliance on god no matter the hardship

Love/ Charity

self giving for the good of the other. wishing good for the other

Theological virtues

Faith, Hope, and Love/charity

7 Cardinal sins/ 7 deadly sins

Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Lust, Gluttony

Pride

self-assertion and selfishness above God… putting yourself before others and God. the sin from which all the other sins flow

opposite: humility and selflessness

Greed

the selfish desire for something someone else has (their wealth, happiness, life)

opposite: generosity

Envy

resenting another person’s happiness

opposite: meekness

Wrath

wills the harm and destruction of someone else

opposite: delight

Sloth

being lazy. refusing the hunger and thirst of good.

opposite: hunger to do good and be righteous. fortitude

Lust

the desire of attraction of the body with impurity. it divides the soul

opposite: purity of heart

Gluttony

wants to consume too much of a worldly good. food, material items

opposite: moderation

A christian’s mission

one needs to follow the corporate and spiritual works of mercy

Avaris

your being increases in the way that you give it away