Christian Ethics

(RELT 373)

I. What is Ethics?

A. “Ethics are standards of duty and virtue, indicating how one should/ought to behave according to principles of right and wrong. Ethics focuses on the question: What ought one to do?”

I. What is Ethics?

B. Ethics (n.)1. The discipline dealing with what is good

and bad or right and wrong or with moral duty and obligation;

2. A group of moral principles or set of values; a particular theory or system of moral values;

3. The principles of conduct governing an individual or a profession; standards of behavior;

II. Definitions of Moral Terms

A. Values1. A principle or quality seen as intrinsically

desirable or valuable. (Generally very broad.)

2. Values are Vague, not precisely defined as specific behaviors

3. Christian Example: Modesty, honesty, etc.

II. Definitions of Moral Terms

B. Norms1. A principle of right action that is binding on

groups and group members, which guides and regulates appropriate behavior

2. Is narrower in focus than Values but broader than Rules.

3. Semi-specific definitions for behavior but still some vagueness.

4. Christian Example: (re value of modesty): Ladies should not wear blouses/shirts with a deep vee (i.e. revealing) or short skirts; men should not wear pants too tight.

II. Definitions of Moral Terms

C. Rules1. Specific regulations applying a norm to

specific behavioral definitions. Rules are narrower in focus Norms.

2. Example: http://www.purefashion.com/modesty_guidelines• Shirt/blouse/dress: "The neck line should be no

lower than 4 fingers below collar bone" • Skirt/dress: "Can be no shorter that 4 fingers

above the top of the kneecap"

II. Definitions of Moral Terms

D. Moral Dilemma, Dilemma, Moral Conflict

1. Moral Dilemma: A case where one has two moral “oughts” in conflict with no way to satisfy both – in Theological terms one must sin or sin. • Classic example cited: “Lying to save the

Jew you hid from the Nazi's.”

II. Definitions of Moral Terms

2. Dilemma: A situation that requires a choice between options that are or seem equally unfavorable or mutually exclusive, but the moral issues are clear or not an issue.

• Examples: • You accidentally double-book an appointment and have to

cancel one.• An elderly hospital patient has just been diagnosed as

terminally ill but the family has asked you not to tell this patient that information. Now the patient asks you if they are dying.

Moral Dilemma, Dilemma, Moral Conflict

3. Moral Conflict: A specialized form of Dilemma where one will be in conflict & experience suffering IF you do the “Right Thing.” The moral issue is perfectly clear, however.

Example: The 3 Hebrews: Bow down to an image versus being thrown into a fiery furnace; Daniel and the Lions’ den; One may risk losing their job to properly keep the Sabbath.

• Geisler often treats a Moral Conflict and a Moral Dilemma as being the same thing, but they are not the same.

Ethical Absolutism versus Relativism

• Ethical Absolutism: Believes there are absolute, unchanging, universal standards of right and wrong, not affected by cultural or social influences: Right and Wrong are ABSOLUTE!

• Ethical Relativism: Denies any absolute, universal standards of right and wrong. Sees morality as evolving, flexible, and culturally based.

III. Classifying Ethical Systems

• Two Pairs of Opposite terms used to classify Ethical Schools/Systems– Deontological versus Teleological– Libertine versus Paternalistic

Deontological Ethics

• Based on Duty, not Consequences• Do the right thing because it is right,

regardless of consequences– Keep the Sabbath even if it means

losing your job– Whistle blower risking job or promotion

• Absolutist

• Less adaptable, but stable, firm, sometimes rigid

Teleological Ethics

• Good is determined by consequences, not by theoretical principles or by intentions

• Swat team illustration – is shooting moral?– Depends on what the bullet hits

• Relativist

• Flexible, but no assurance you are doing right until it works out

Paternalistic Ethics

• Greek: Pater = Father• Says ethics needs a Father/Authority

to tell you what is right and wrong• The authority can be a Government, a

philosopher, etc.• “Father knows best” mentality• Tends to closely ally with

Deontological

Libertine Ethics

• Emphasizes the full LIBERTY of the individual to decide for YOURSELF what is right and wrong

• No authority figure

4-Way Overlap

Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Christian Ethics

Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Christian Ethics

Traditional

ChristianDeontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Other Ethics

Traditional

Christian`Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Other Ethics

Traditional

Christian

Rule

Utilitarian

Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Other Ethics

Traditional

Christian

Rule

Utilitarian

Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Other Ethics

Traditional

Christian

Rule

UtilitarianMost Teleological

Deontological

Teleological

Paternalistic Libertine

Like 4 Color Printing – Near infinite combinations

• Thus there are many many schools of ethics

• No master list – varies by author• Geisler Chapter 1

• Conclusion:– Proof we cant figure out right and wrong on

our own abilities– David L and Allan R in Hawaii

Christian Conclusion

• Micah 6:8

End of Intro to Ethics

Biblical Absolutism is Next