10 Markers Flashcards
Arguments for the death penalty
Deterrence- it will stop people from committing serious crimes.
Retribution- it’s the ultimate payback for a criminal who has committed an evil act.
Protection- if a criminal is put to death, they can no longer commit any more crimes, so society is safer.
God authorises the death penalty- the bible speaks in favour of the death penalty and the bible is the word of God, therefore is the ultimate authority.
Cost effective- capital punishment is the cheapest way of dealing with crime
Arguments against the death penalty
Statistics show that in the USA, more murders take place in states where capital punishment is allowed so it does not put people off committing crime.
It’s revenge not justice; using inhumane ways to kill humans.
Those that use lethal injection are causing doctors to go against their morales.
Everyone has the right to life, even criminals. Capital punishment violates that right.
God creates life so he should be the only one who can destroy it.
It goes against the commandment “ Do not kill”
Monetary value should not be considered when dealing with someone’s life.
Arguments against abortion
All human life has equal value even if it’s a foetus or an embryo.
The foetus is a potential human being and so has the right to life.
A foetus is an innocent human being and killing an innocent human is wrong.
Professor doctors should seek to respect and preserve all human life (Hippocratic Oath).
Abortion can damage the long term physical and emotional health of women.
People should take responsibility for their actions
Arguments for abortion
An embryo is a cluster of cells and not an actual human being.
Women should have control over their own bodies.
Access to safe and legal abortion is essential for women’s health and safety.
Pregnancy and child birth can be dangerous and women should have the right to make decisions about their own health and well being.
Individuals should be free to make decisions about their own bodies based on their own religious and moral beliefs.
Should Christians foster/adopt instead of using fertility treatments? For
The biblical model of parenthood is a married mother and father so some Christians believe single or unmarried individuals should not pursue fertility treatments.
Some Christians believe fertility treatments like IVF are “unnatural” and interfere with God’s plan for creating life. There are concerns about the moral status of embryos created through IVF.
Adoption and fostering allow Christians to care for vulnerable children, which is a biblical command. This can be seen as a more selfless act compared to pursuing biological children through fertility treatments.
The high costs of fertility treatments could be better used to support adoption and foster care ministries in the church.
Should Christians foster/adopt instead of using fertility treatments? Against
Infertility is a medical condition, and fertility treatments can be a responsible way to address it, just as one would seek treatment for any other disease.
The Bible does not specifically prohibit fertility treatments, as they are a relatively new technology. Christians can use science and medicine in an ethical way to have biological children.
Wanting biological children is not inherently selfish, and can be seen as a God-given desire that Christians should pursue through available means, including fertility treatments.
Adoption and fostering are also valid and important callings, but not every Christian is necessarily called to those paths. Both can have their own challenges and costs.
Are Christian views on sexual relationships outdated?
For
Some believe the Bible’s teaching on sex is old-fashioned and out of touch with modern, more progressive views on sexuality.
Research suggests a growing number of unmarried young Christians are engaging in premarital sex, indicating a shift away from traditional Christian teachings.
Changing cultural norms have led some to view the Christian ideal of lifelong commitment and abstinence before marriage as unrealistic or outdated.
The high rates of sexual experimentation, especially among younger generations, suggest the Christian sexual ethic is being increasingly rejected.
Are Christian views on sexual relationships outdated?
Against
The Bible’s teaching on sex is not outdated, but rather presents a positive and life-giving perspective rooted in God’s design for human flourishing.
Many Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction have found the Bible’s teaching on sexuality to be helpful and not harmful.
The biblical emphasis on consent and the dignity of all people, especially the vulnerable, has had a lasting positive impact on society.
For Christians, the teachings of Jesus and the Bible on marriage and sexuality carry divine authority, regardless of cultural trends.
Abstinence and lifelong commitment in marriage are still viewed by many Christians as the ideal, even if the reality does not always match up.
