Christian Moral Action

Question 1

Key Principle 1: The Importance of Obedience to God’s Will Over Human Authority

Answer 1

Argument: God’s Will Is the Supreme Moral Authority

1.God’s will is the supreme moral authority (P).
2.If God’s will is the supreme moral authority (P), then Christians must prioritize obedience to God over human authority (Q).
3. Christians must prioritize obedience to God over human authority (Q).

Example: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s resistance to Nazism demonstrates the necessity of defying unjust regimes in favor of divine commandments.

Question 2

Key Principle 2: The Role of the Church as a Community of Moral Action

Answer 2

Argument: The Church as a Visible Community of Christ

1.The Church represents a community where Christ is present (P).

2.If the Church represents a community where Christ is present (P), then it must act as a moral witness against evil (Q)

3.The Church must act as a moral witness against evil (Q).

Example: Bonhoeffer’s concept of the “Confessing Church” sought to oppose Nazi corruption of Christian ethics and maintain authentic discipleship.

Question 3

Key Principle 3: The Cost of Discipleship

Answer 3

Argument: True Discipleship Requires Sacrifice

Following Christ requires absolute loyalty and sacrifice (P).

If following Christ requires absolute loyalty and sacrifice (P), then Christians must be willing to endure suffering for their faith (Q).

Christians must be willing to endure suffering for their faith (Q).

Example: Bonhoeffer’s book The Cost of Discipleship emphasizes that grace is not “cheap” but demands action, even in the face of persecution.

Question 4

Key Principle 4: Ethics of Action in Extreme Circumstances
Argument: Sometimes Action Is Necessary to Prevent Greater Evil

Answer 4

Argument: Sometimes Action Is Necessary to Prevent Greater Evil

1. Moral action is required to resist and prevent greater evil (P).
2. If moral action is required to resist and prevent greater evil (P), then Christians may sometimes need to engage in civil disobedience or direct action (Q).
3. Christians may sometimes need to engage in civil disobedience or direct action (Q).

Example: Bonhoeffer’s involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler reflected his belief in resisting evil through extraordinary means.

Question 5

Objection 1: Prioritizing God’s Will Undermines Social Stability

Answer 5

Scholarly Source: Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan)

Individuals prioritize obedience to God over human authority (P).

If individuals prioritize obedience to God over human authority (P), then this can lead to anarchy and social instability (Q).

This can lead to anarchy and social instability (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Ethics)
Bonhoeffer argues that obedience to God is the ultimate safeguard against tyranny, as God’s moral law transcends human laws corrupted by sin.

Question 6

Objection 2: The Church Should Avoid Political Involvement

Answer 6

Scholarly Source: Reinhold Niebuhr (Christ and Culture)

The Church becomes politically involved (P).

If the Church becomes politically involved (P), then it risks compromising its spiritual mission (Q).

∴ It risks compromising its spiritual mission (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Bonhoeffer (Letters and Papers from Prison)
Bonhoeffer counters that the Church has a moral duty to speak out and act against injustice, as silence in the face of evil makes it complicit.

Question 7

Objection 4: Civil Disobedience Contradicts Christian Teachings on Peace

Answer 7

Scholarly Source: Augustine (City of God)

Christians engage in civil disobedience or violence (P).

If Christians engage in civil disobedience or violence (P), then they violate teachings on peace and non-violence (Q).

∴ They violate teachings on peace and non-violence (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Bonhoeffer (Ethics)
Bonhoeffer argues that preventing greater evil may necessitate active resistance, and such action is morally justified when guided by love and a commitment to justice.

Question 8

Objection 5: Extreme Actions Can Lead to Moral Relativism

Answer 8

Scholarly Source: Emil Brunner (The Divine Imperative)

Christians justify extreme actions like assassination in some circumstances (P).

If Christians justify extreme actions like assassination in some circumstances (P), then they risk embracing moral relativism (Q).

∴ They risk embracing moral relativism (Q).

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Bonhoeffer (Ethics)
Bonhoeffer maintains that such decisions should be guided by careful prayer, discernment, and accountability within the Christian community, ensuring they remain faithful to God’s will.

Question 9

3. Summary of Scholars Referenced

Answer 9

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (20th Century) – Advocated for prioritizing God’s will, costly discipleship, and the Church as a moral witness.
Thomas Hobbes (17th Century) – Warned against undermining social stability through disobedience to human authorities.
Reinhold Niebuhr (20th Century) – Critiqued political involvement of the Church as potentially compromising its spiritual mission.
Friedrich Schleiermacher (19th Century) – Suggested that extreme sacrificial discipleship may be impractical.
Augustine (4th Century) – Stressed the importance of peace and non-violence in Christian teachings.
Emil Brunner (20th Century) – Warned of the dangers of moral relativism when justifying extreme actions