Christianity ethics A02

Question 1

What are the strengths for Thenomous

Answer 1

. It provides clear and fixed guidance
. A.S Wood - set clear + consistent ‘standards’
. Emphasises the importance of the Bible
. Ensures that no human authority is seen as more important than God’s word

Question 2

What are the weaknesses for Thenomous

Answer 2

. Bible can be contradicting - 600 rules
. Bible does not answer every contemporary ethical question directly as it was last added to 2,000 yrs ago
. Bible was written in a particular context = contains contradictions
. Bible itself never says it is the only source of authority, Jesus appointed St Peter as 1st Bishop of Rome = he was the ‘ rock on which I will build my church’

Question 3

What are the strengths for Heteronomous

Answer 3

. Christian teaching remain relevant - authoritative guidance on modern issues
. Scripture can be understood and interpreted in light of modern development and discovers

Question 4

What are the weaknesses for Heteronomous

Answer 4

. Luther criticised power and authority of church - ‘Protestant Reformation’ - church exploiting
. Many conflict between different sources of authority

Question 5

What are the strengths for Autonomy

Answer 5

. Gives individual autonomy - empowers the individual to make moral decisions
. Provide flexibility - ‘loves decisions are made situationally’ - avoid becoming outdated
. Consistent with Jesus’ teachings on agape - emphasise importance and authority of his teachings

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of Autonomy

Answer 6

. Barclay - ‘terrifying degree of freedom’ - society need more rule and regulation then just love
. over-simplistic
. open to exploitation - Barclay say it will only work if ‘all men were saints’ - link to Augustine view of original sin