Christian Moral Principles AO2 and Essay Plans Flashcards
1
Q
The Bible is too open to interpretation to be useful for moral decision making
A
- Some denominations adopt a ‘sola scriptura’ approach (only use the Bible as a source of wisdom/authority). One could argue that such an approach is not helpful when making moral decisions - parts of the Bible are difficult to understand or do not seem applicable to modern-day issues. Ambiguity may lead Christians to interpreting scripture differently.
- Christians cannot even agree on whether or not the creation story should be understood literally or metaphorically- how can they possibly agree on it’s moral teachings? One could argue that Christians are selective about what they choose to follow e.g. the majority of Christians choose to ignore the dietary laws in Leviticus.
- It would be unrealistic to expect all Christians to read the whole of the Bible. The majority of Christians have therefore read sections of scripture in isolation rather than holistically and within the context of the rest of scripture; a variety of interpretations of moral teachings is therefore inevitable.
- If biblical teachings were so clear, there would be no need for ethicists to create theories to supplement/develop on what scripture already teaches. Natural Law itself does not even look at scripture - it might be argued that such theories are more useful for moral decision making.
2
Q
The Bible is NOT too open to be useful for moral decision making
A
- The magisterium in the Catholic Church ensures that consistency among Catholics in their reading/understanding of scripture; interpreting scripture is ‘entrusted solely to the magisterium of the Church’
- The magisterium addresses modern day ethical issues and teaches how the Bible (sections of which are sometimes dismissed as outdated0 can be understood today and applied to modern life.
- The Catechism and encyclicals also aid catholics in their understanding of scripture- these texts consider centuries of theological discussion and scripture.
- The Catholic Church teaches that the cardinals and the Pope are inspired by the holy spirit, Catholics should therefore be assured that the Magisterium has interpreted the Bible correctly.
- Christians do not simply rely on Church authorities to tell them how to read scripture. We should use our reason to help us to understand scripture.
- Basing moral decisions on Biblical teachings creates unity- there is a clear point of reference, which is not culturally conditioned. According to CCC 107 ‘The Bible, without error, teaches truth’
3
Q
The magisterium is the most important source of wisdom and authority
A
- St Peter was the first pope and it was believed that St Peter had the ability to interpret the divine law.
- The Magisterium is required to understand/interpret the Bible. The Bible is not self-evident.
- The magisterium is unifying.
- The magisterium helps us to respond to modern day issues, which are not directly discussed in scripture. More developed/detail teaching has been built around scripture e.g. Natural Law.
4
Q
The magisterium is NOT the most important source of wisdom and authority
A
- Catholics believe that the Bible is inspired by the HS.
- This contrasts with protestants who believe that the Bible is dictated by the Holy spirit, and is therefore the direct word of God.
- Other denominations only depend on the Bible, and therefore don’t have a unified stance on some ethical issues.
- If Christians rely solely on abiding by the teachings of the Magisterium, one might argue that they are not necessarily using their conscience when discerning.
- One could argue that the papal elections are more about continuing with traditions (traditions are often kept because they serve a purpose.
- The magisterium is not the most important source of wisdom and authority, but rather ought to be used in conjunction with other sources including scripture and conscience
- We don’t just look at the Bible when making decisions- we can also look towards Natural Law.
