Christian Moral Principles

Question 1

Key Principle 1: The Bible as the Sole Authority for Christian Ethics (Sola Scriptura)

Answer 1

Argument: The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God

1. The Bible is the inspired word of God (P).
2. If the Bible is the inspired word of God (P), then it contains all the guidance necessary for moral decision-making (Q).
3. So, 2

Argument: The Bible Provides Clear Moral Commands
1. The Bible provides clear moral commands (P).
2. If the Bible provides clear moral commands (P), then Christians should use it as their primary guide for moral principles (Q).
3. So, 2

Question 2

Key Principle 2: Church Tradition as a Moral Authority

Answer 2

Argument: Church Tradition Reflects Collective Wisdom

1. Church tradition reflects centuries of collective wisdom inspired by the Holy Spirit (P).
2. If Church tradition reflects centuries of collective wisdom inspired by the Holy Spirit (P), then it provides a reliable guide for moral decision-making (Q).
3. ∴ It provides a reliable guide for moral decision-making (Q).

Argument: The Church Interprets Scripture Authentically
1. The Church is divinely guided in interpreting Scripture (P).
2. If the Church is divinely guided in interpreting Scripture (P), then it has the authority to shape moral principles (Q).
3. SO, 2

Question 3

Key Principle 3: Agape (Love) as the Basis of Christian Ethics

Answer 3

Argument: Agape Embodies the Greatest Commandments
1. Agape is the love commanded by Jesus as the highest moral principle (P).
2. If agape is the love commanded by Jesus as the highest moral principle (P), then it should guide all moral decision-making (Q).
3. So,2

Argument: Agape Is More Flexible Than Rules
1. Agape allows Christians to adapt to specific circumstances with compassion (P).
2. If agape allows Christians to adapt to specific circumstances with compassion (P), then it is a more effective moral principle than fixed rules (Q).
3. So, 2

Question 4

Objection 1: The Bible Alone Is Not a Sufficient Moral Guide

Answer 4

Scholarly Source: Richard B. Hays (The Moral Vision of the New Testament)

1. The Bible contains contradictions and requires interpretation (P).
2. If the Bible contains contradictions and requires interpretation (P), then it is insufficient as the sole moral guide (Q).
3. So, 2

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology)
Grudem argues that while interpretation is needed, the Bible provides foundational moral truths that are universally applicable when read within the context of faith and reason.

Question 5

Objection 2: Church Tradition Can Be Corrupt or Outdated

Answer 5

Scholarly Source: Martin Luther (16th Century Reformation Thinker)
1. Church tradition can be influenced by human error and cultural bias (P).
2. If Church tradition can be influenced by human error and cultural bias (P), then it cannot be a fully reliable guide for Christian morality (Q).
3. So ,2

Reply:
Scholarly Source: John Henry Newman (Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine)
Newman defends Church tradition as evolving under divine guidance, ensuring that its moral teachings remain relevant and faithful to the Gospel over time.

Question 6

Objection 3: Agape Love Is Too Vague

Answer 6

1. Agape is too vague to provide concrete moral guidance (P).
2. If agape is too vague to provide concrete moral guidance (P), then it cannot function as a practical ethical principle (Q).
3. So, 2

Scholarly Source: Joseph Fletcher (Situation Ethics)
Fletcher argues that agape’s flexibility is its strength, as it allows Christians to respond to unique situations with love and compassion rather than being bound by rigid rules.

Question 7

Objection 4: Sola Scriptura Excludes Other Valuable Sources

Answer 7

1. Sola Scriptura excludes natural law, reason, and tradition as sources of moral guidance (P).
2. If Sola Scriptura excludes natural law, reason, and tradition as sources of moral guidance (P), then it limits the richness of Christian ethics (Q).
3. So, 2

Reply:
Scholarly Source: Alister McGrath (Christian Theology: An Introduction)
McGrath argues that while Scripture is primary, it does not exclude the use of reason and tradition as complementary tools for understanding and applying its teachings.

Question 8

Objection 5: Agape Can Lead to Subjective Morality

Answer 8

Scholarly Source: Pope Pius XII (Critique of Situation Ethics)
1. Agape allows individuals to decide what love requires in each situation (P).
2. If agape allows individuals to decide what love requires in each situation (P), then it risks leading to moral relativism (Q).
3. So, 2

Scholarly Source: Paul Tillich (Ethics of Love)
Tillich argues that agape is rooted in the divine nature of love and guided by God’s will, which prevents it from becoming entirely subjective or relativistic.

Question 9

3. Summary of Scholars Referenced

Answer 9

Richard B. Hays (20th Century) – Highlights the complexity and contradictions in biblical interpretation.
Wayne Grudem (20th Century) – Supports the Bible as a foundational moral guide.
Martin Luther (16th Century) – Critiques Church tradition as fallible and prone to corruption.
John Henry Newman (19th Century) – Defends the evolution and relevance of Church tradition.
Kai Nielsen (20th Century) – Argues that agape is too vague to provide concrete moral guidance.
Joseph Fletcher (20th Century) – Advocates for agape as a flexible and compassionate ethical principle.
Karl Barth (20th Century) – Emphasizes the inclusion of natural law and reason alongside Scripture.
Alister McGrath (21st Century) – Argues for a balanced approach to Christian ethics, integrating Scripture, reason, and tradition.
Pope Pius XII (20th Century) – Critiques the potential for moral relativism in agape-based ethics.
Paul Tillich (20th Century) – Defends agape as grounded in divine love and resistant to relativism.