Christian moral principles essay plan

Question 1

Introduction:

Answer 1

Consistent debate in Christian orthodoxy.
Bible is viewed as infallible- the word of God.
Tradition important to Catholics- decided the canon of the Bible.
Yet Bible and tradition cause feuds and they have been accused of preaching abstinence and hate.
Maybe depends on the Situation- Agape, Fletcher’s Situation ethics or reason.

Question 2

Bible:

Answer 2

Sola scriptura- Bible is the only thing needed. Amanuensis. Jeremiah 1:9 ‘I have put my words in your mouth’. Propositional approach.
Richard Mouw believes in the importance of sola- scriptura. Yet he also acknowledges its faults. Has stories that are outdated and non-sensical. ‘Balem’s talking ass’. Leviticus 18:22 ‘you shall not lie with a male as with a woman’. Outdated, homophobic.
Translated over 300 times, the style of writing alters.

Question 3

Tradition:

Answer 3

Heteronomous approach, tradition is sacred and derived from Jesus.
Catholics decided the canon of the Bible, believed their tradition is superior.
Catholics also believe in apostolic succession. Their pope is a direct predecessor of Peter. Importance of tradition is seen in cataclysms of Catholic church.
Advantage: get a more personal approach to God, pope is who you confess your sins to.
Disadvantages: Rosemary Radford Ruther- church is misogynist. 1 Corinthians 14:24 ‘women should remain silent in churches’.
Catholic tradition seen to be focusing on wealth, indulgences. Kickstarted the reformation when Martin Luther attached 95 thesis 1517. Differences cause conflict, focus on reason and love could be better.

Question 4

Reason/Conscience:

Answer 4

Developed by Aquinas’ natural law and his triangulation of the Bible, traditions and teachings of Christianity.
Emil Brunner ‘the good consists in doing what God wills at any particular time’.
Menendez brothers- go against 10 commandments of ‘respect your parents’ and fletcher’s situation ethics of always doing the loving thing, as their parents were abusive.
Veronica Roth- ‘human reason can excuse any evil’. Capitalists exploit workforce to gain profit.
Cannot rely on reason or agape alone.

Question 5

Conclusion:

Answer 5

Bible- outdated
Tradition- causes feuds
Reason and Agape- can be taken advantage of when relied on alone. All factors need to work symbiotically together in order for it to work. There will never be a perfect ethical system.