Ethics
the study of morals
what is right and wrong
Metaethics
the study of ethics itself
utilitarianism
that which is useful is what is right/true
Deontological ethics
that which has good intentions is right/true
consequences do not matter
pragmatism
that which is successful is right/ true
rejects absolutes and universals
morality is a social construct
Natural law
people by nature know what is right and wrong
divine command
something is wrong because God/a god has said it
virtue theory
focus on being a good person and right thing actions will follow
Main problem with ethics
the grounding problem
the search for the foundation of moral beliefs
gnosticism
Dualism
Flesh (material/ inherently bad) vs Spirit (good/redeemed)
Denial of the incarnation (Jesus did not come to us in the flesh)
revelation
God’s voluntary self-disclosure
general revelation
God’s voluntary self-disclosure in everything that has been created
special revelation
God’s voluntary self-disclosure in special acts (prophecy, theosophy, miracle) that are redemptive
Characteristics
origin is from God Himself
It is always self-revelation
Its content is God Himself
It purpose is God’s glory
(God centered)
innate
there by nature
acquired
gained by reason and reflection
revelational epistemology
knowledge based on God’s revelation
Progressive revelation
God’s gradual and clearer disclosure of Himself
Authority and inherrancy
All the words in the scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve/ disobey any word of scripture would be to disbelieve/ disobey God Himself.
Clarity
The Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help being willing to follow it.
Necessity
Bible necessary to know gospel, maintain spiritual life,, and know God.
Sufficiency
The Bible contains everything need for salvation, trusting God certainty, and obeying Him.
Trinity
God’s one being/ essence existing eternally in three people (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Equal Ultimacy
God is equally ultimately one as He is three
Anthropomorphism
Language that speaks of God in human terms
Incommunicable Attributes
independence
Immutability
Eternity
Omnipresence
Communicable Attributes
Holiness (set apart)
Omnipotence
Sovereignty
Omniscience
Wisdom
Love
Wrath
Trancendence
God’s holiness and independence in relation to creation
Immanence
God’s closeness and involvement with his creation
Deism
Impersonal and uninvolved deity
Patheism
everything is divine
Ex nihilo
Out of nothing