christian moral principles Flashcards
what is topic about
based on the teachings of the bible
using bible for moral guidance
mouw - christians must be aware of commandments n stories in bible.j and teaching and not just apply principles without knowing studying it
2 ways to approach bible
non propositional - looks at biblical stories like resurrection of Jesus as speaking to a christians own life.
propositional - accepts the words of bible as true messages from God
bible as direct word of god
- bible is breathed in word of god
- the bible is an unavailable guide to life and commandments always apply.
- Christians may use bible verses to back up their views on moral issues.
criticisms bible as direct word of god
- bible has contradictions like different account os Jesus’ last words on the cross
- if its direct word of god why are there so many different styles of writing in it
- some facts don’t match scientific knowledge
- teachings contradict each other (sermon on the mount and Old Testament)
bible as interpreted word of god
- moral guidance not literal
- written by authors inspired by God
- some parts are more appropriate for the past than present day
-Richard b Mays christians have selective and biased view of the bible
criticisms bible as interpreted word of god
- it can lead to disagreements about stuff like women in leadership or homosexuality.
- ‘cherry picking’ christians ignore the parts that they can’t fulfil’
- not easy to see what parts are meant for all time and which parts are cultural/the truth
church tradition and bible
- the church chose which parts of writing should form scripture
- protestants agree and say bible = principle source of authority
HAYS - bible shaped by church
WILLIAM SPOHN - scripture can’t be examined in isolation from christian communities
church tradition Anglican
- bible comes first but not only way of understanding
- influence from bible and church are combined when making decisions about practice in the church
- church tradition is vital
church tradition in the catholic understanding
- sacred tradition - revelation of Jesus Christ is found through scripture and oral teachings (CCC)
- church has precedent over the Bible because it chose what scriptures should be included.
- task of interpreting bible is given to church
- Catholic Church uses natural law for decision making
issues raised by the idea of church tradition
reform protestants - the bible should have precedence over church tradition
- Jesus criticises traditional teachings because people they become rigid in their own laws.(people forget to care for others)
- ROSEMARY RADFORD REUTHER - church ignore women perspectives
Macintyre and hay on reason
- Christians must use reason alongside biblical principles
MACINTYRE AND HAYS - reason operates according to our culture and biases
reason for christians
- Christians must use reason alongside biblical principles
reason for catholics
- use reason, bible and sacred tradition in natural law ethics
- reason is a gift from god to access gods revelation
reason for protestants
bible and reason = primary source of decision making
- church teachings = helpful commentaries
