Christian moral principles - living (DCT)

What does sola scriptura mean?

Latin for ‘by scripture alone’ - belief that Bible is only authority for Christian moral teaching

Which denomination of Christianity most strongly supports sola scriptura?

Protestantism - especially Evangelical

How do Catholics view authority of Bible?

Scripture part of wider tradition that includes Church teaching and Magisterium (Church authority)

What is the main criticism of sola scriptura?

Ignores role of tradition and can lead to subjective interpretations of scripture (better to have personal relationship with God?)

What is the meaning of sacred tradition in Catholicism?

Living transmission of faith and moral teaching through the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit

How is the Magisterium involved in moral decision-making?

Interprets Scripture and Tradition authoritatively to guide Christians in moral issues

What is the Protestant critique of the Magisterium?

Leads to human distortion of God’s word and gives clergy too much authority (historical manipulation)

How does natural law relate to Christian moral principles?

Suggests moral knowledge can be gained through reason, reflection God’s order in creation (Aquinas)

What is the key principle of natural law?

Synderesis - do good and avoid evil, moral laws discoverable by reason and align with divine purpose (very broad, is it profound?)

How might some Christians criticise the use of reason alone in morality?

Risks neglecting revelation and transformative role of God’s grace

What is agape in Christian ethics?

Selfless, unconditional love - type of love God shows humanity and commands believers to show others

Who developed situation ethics?

Fletcher

What is the main principle of situation ethics?

Agape guides moral decisions, not fixed laws (moral chaos?)

Why do some Christians reject situation ethics?

Pope Pius XII - too subjective and disregards Biblical commandments

What tension exists between biblical and love-based ethics?

Moral decision can follow fixed rules (Bible) or flexible love-based reasoning (agape) - however there is a lot of crossover

What are the 2 types of revelation?

• Propositional - God reveals fixed truths

• Non-propositional - God reveals through experience and love

How might diversity of moral sources cause conflict in Christianity?

Different interpretations lead to moral disagreements e.g. sexuality

What did Barth argue about Christian ethics?

Ethics must begin with faith and revelation - not human reason or natural law (Fall)

How did Aquinas combine faith and reason in moral thinking?

Moral law is both revealed by God and discoverable by reason (natural law theory)

What are the strengths of using Bible (theonomous) for moral guidance?

• Clear instruction

• Divinely inspired

What are weaknesses of using Bible for moral guidance?

• Culturally bound passages

• Temporal validity

• Subjective/ambiguous

• Alienates secular perspectives

What are strengths of love-based ethics?

• Prioritises compassion

• Contextual

• Pragmatic - practical

• Flexible

What are weaknesses of love-based ethics?

• Not completely clear

• May be subjective

• Moral relativism/uncertainty