Christian Moral Principles

Question 1

Theonomous ethics?

Answer 1

Ethics are governed by Gods law or commands

Question 2

Heteronomous ethics?

Answer 2

Ethics are governed by several sources of authority or law

Question 3

Autonomous ethics?

Answer 3

Ethics are self governed

Question 4

2 Timothy 3:16

Answer 4

‘All scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, for re proof, for correction, for training in righteousness’

Question 5

What do St Paul and St Augustine argue about ethics?

Answer 5

All humans are sinful by nature. We are incapable on living good lives so the only source to live a good life is revealed by God

Question 6

Biblicism?

Answer 6

The Bible is the revealed word of God. The writers of the Bible were directly inspired by God

Question 7

What stories illustrate moral law?

Answer 7

• King David’s adulterous relationship with Bathsheba
• The Sermon on the Mount

Question 8

What does Karl Barth say about the Bible?

Answer 8

He warned against the dangers of literalism as it might give the Bible a divine status which is only attributed to God

Question 9

How should we deal with biblical contradictions?

Answer 9

Some argue that Jesus’ teachings psalm are focused on a future ideal. Meanwhile in thi imperfect world war and violence is necessary.

Question 10

Roman Catholic: Heteronomous?

Answer 10

Natural law: Revelation and reason

Question 11

Romans 2:15

Answer 11

Law written on their heart

Question 12

Magisterium?

Answer 12

Morality is informed by wisdom of the Church and practices of its leaders

Question 13

Natural law?

Answer 13

Thomas Aquinas: We have an ability to understand God’s eternal law through reason

Question 14

Liberation Theology?

Answer 14

• Places the Bible at the centre of ethics
• Inspired by Jesus’ role as liberator

Question 15

Protestant Heteronomous ethics?

Answer 15

Use the Ible, reason, conscience and church tradition

Question 16

What does Stanley Hauerwas say?

Answer 16

• Christian ethics can only be done in a Christian worshipping community
• A Christian community that should challenge societies values

Question 17

Problems with Heteronomous ethics?

Answer 17

What are legitimate sources of Christian ethics

Do some sources have greater authority than others

Question 18

What is the Autonomous Christian view?

Answer 18

The Bible is not a specially revealeddocument but a Christian ‘Classic’ just like English Literature

Question 19

Hans Kung’s view?

Answer 19

There is nothing in the content of Christian ethics that is unique- all of it can be found elsewhere by any person of good will

Question 20

Protestant ethical autonomy?

Answer 20

Christianity highlights that goodness is the principle of love

Situation ethics