Ethics and morals

Question 1

How can religious experiences lead to belief in god?

Answer 1

1. Religious scriptures- some people believe that holy books can reveal the nature of god.
2. Prayer- can be thought of a conversation with god.
3. Miracles are amazing events that nature of science laws cannot explain.
4. Sensing the presence of god

Question 2

God is believed to be?

Answer 2

Omnipotent
Omniscient
Omni- Benevolent

Question 3

Omnipotent means

Answer 3

All powerful- nothing is impossible for God

Question 4

Omniscient means

Answer 4

All knowing- knowing everything that we do, think or feel, now, in the past and in the future.

Question 5

Omni-Benevolent means

Answer 5

All loving and all compassionate- he wants only what’s best for us.

Question 6

What is ethics?

Answer 6

The study of values and customs of a person or group covering the motivation based on ideas of right and wrong.

Question 7

What is morality?

Answer 7

Morality is concerned with what is right and wrong. As humans we are able to think about what we do and say and can decide what we think is the right or wrong way to behave.

Question 8

What is a moral act? And an example ?

Answer 8

An act considered to be right.

Ex. To always tell the truth.

Question 9

What is an immoral act? And an example?

Answer 9

An act considered to be wrong.

Ex. To steal property that’s not yours

Question 10

What is an amoral act? And an example?

Answer 10

An act that shows no understanding of right or wrong.

Ex. A psychopath who kills someone doesn’t understand that their action was immoral.

Question 11

What is a non-moral act? And an example?

Answer 11

An act. Not concerned with right or wrong.

If you eat a apple instead of an orange.

Question 12

What is a non moral judgement? And an example?

Answer 12

A view or opinion that is nothing to do with right or wrong.
Ex. Deciding what to wear

Question 13

There are many amazing things on earth but who made these??

Answer 13

God doesn’t force us to believe in him instead he provides us with sufficient proof as we think there must be a designer to all these perfect things. Such as water, the human brain and the fingerprints.

Question 14

I never have as much money as my friends. My mum is so tight with her money. My friends always go out and their parents pay for the. One day I got home early and noticed that my mum had left a £10 note in the kitchen. She was out. I thought of all the things I could do with the money….WHAT SHOULD SHE DO?

Answer 14

I think without a doubt that she should leave it there in the kitchen. For starters her mum must obviously be working hard to earn that money so she should take that into account. Her mum may have left it there for a reason. It could be a reminder to pick up some things from the supermarket or to possibly pay the milkman. She could be coming home late and it could be takeaway money. Also most importantly if she takes the money and her mum finds out she will have lost her daughters trust. It’s based on trust. Not being honest won’t ever get her money from her mum. Her mum could be facing financial difficulties therefore she’s working and budgeting by leaving the money out. And the end of the day she should leave it there and if she wants some extra money she could consider getting a part time job depending upon her age or ring her mum, in that way it not only reassures her mum that she’s honest but she’ll get to speak about it.

Question 15

Where can people look for moral guidance?

Answer 15

Religious people look in various places to find the ‘truth’ about what’s right and what god wants.
Sacred texts- people believe they were written for a society with different values. And should be interpreted to suit the times.
Some religious people may also look at the lives and actions of teachers like Jesus to guide them along the right path.

Conscience- a little voice telling you what’s right and wrong. Some believers say it’s the voice of god. Others say that it’s just the result of your upbringing ,eg the things you’ve heard. If this is true then you conscience is only as trustworthy as the things it’s based on.

Question 16

Where do Christians look for moral guidance? And what are the most famous part of the moral code?

Answer 16

The bible . Ten Commandments these are about showing respect.

Question 17

What are the Ten Commandments?

Answer 17

Worship no god but me
Do not worship idols
Do not misuse the name of god
Keep the sabbath day holy 
Honour your parents 
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery 
Do not steal
Do not falsely accuse anyone
Do not desire anything that belongs to another person.

Question 18

What influences your moral decisions and why?

Answer 18

Moral decision is influence by early childhood ethical understanding which appears to be influenced by the examples of parents, teacher and spiritual leaders.

Question 19

There's is group in my class who go out and get drunk every week. I've been asked to go along it would be good for my image and my parents shouldn't care, they themselves go out every Friday. And I'm almost 15..an adult soon..
WHAT SHOULD HE DO?

Answer 19

I think that he should first definitely not go out and secondly find something else to do on Saturdays. For starters what he is wanting or thinking about doing is illegal. Drinking under the age of 18 is illegal he would be breaking the law. Not only that alcohol can damage your brain and it’s very unhealthy drinking it in large volumes getting very drunk can be dangerous. Bearing in mind that 15 year olds can’t go to a pub and ask for alcohol they may be asking a older person of they could be illegally purchasing it. His parents might not actually be drinking they might be going out to the cinema or the theatre.
In conclusion I would most definitely not attend the groups drinking session out and politely decline this invite. He should find something else to so such as spending time with his parents or even going out with friends(non drinkers). When he’s older he should always discuss this with his parents, assuring him he will be safe.

Question 20

My best friends boyfriend has been planning a surprise birthday party for her. The problem is she now thinks he’s two timing her be causing she’s seen unknown phone numbers and strange text messages about meetings. She’s now in a state of despair and wants me to go out with her into town hoping to find a new boyfriend tonight.
What’s your response?

Answer 20

I think I must speak to the boyfriend first and tell him how she’s feeling before she drags me into town. Otherwise two people who I get on really well could break up. I don’t think I can talk to her without her boyfriend knowing. It would be a shame to spoil such a great surprise. However this misunderstanding needs to be cleared. Maybe if her boyfriend doesn’t want her to know about the surprise we could bring the whole event forward to tonight. This may cause issues because it’s not giving the guests enough notice but it will stop my friend from looking for a new boyfriend. If he still wants to do it his way all I can do is tell my friend not to panic and have faith in him. This way I will have done as much as I could.

Question 21

“Lost Spanish lotto ticket handed in to clear conscience”
A man who found a multi-million euro winning lottery ticket in la Corunna said he would not have been able to sleep if he had claimed the prize.
WHATS YOUR RESPONSE?

Answer 21

I believe this man has done the right thing even though it would be very tempting for others to not own up. He comes across as a god-fearing man of high moral and ethical standards. He obviously believes in speaking of the truth as he could never be able to live with a lie. The man has mentioned it will be gods will which will determine what will happen in the end. As a Hindu myself, we do believe that god plays a hand in every and important stage of our lives, in mysterious ways.

Question 22

There’s been a car crash involving a mother and her daughter. The mother is critically ill brain damage showing on the scan. Whilst the daughter is in a drug induced coma due to high degree burns which will need skin grafting. The medical unit asked the husband /father who should be given priority as only one can be saved.
What’s your response?

Answer 22

From the medical reports I think the girl has a better chance of survival. Unfortunately the woman’s case is more serious and saving her could result in a poor quality for her. This could be a burden for her especially knowing her daughter had not pulled through. In addition her skin can be used to save her daughters disfigured limbs. By saving a daughter you are giving a young life an opportunity to live a life that her mother had hoped for. Any mother would want their child to outlive. It is traumatic for any parent to lose a child. I do understand that the daughter would be grieving for her mother but she would also know her mother would have wanted her to live and have a future so I believe the father should save his daughter and celebrate his wife’s life and love for them.

Question 23

What is situation ethics?

Answer 23

Situation ethics is a Christian principle based on the idea that the only intrinsically good thing is Christian love - that is an unselfish, absolute and unconditional love for all people.

Question 24

What does the principle state?

Answer 24

It states that all decisions should be made to achieve the greatest amount of love.

Question 25

Situation ethics could come into play here:
A homeless man steals a loaf of bread to feed himself.
What would you do?

Answer 25

This needs to be looked at in a compassionate aspect. Here I would let this man off, only because he was trying to survive, to help himself. I would think if that was myself stealing that loaf of bread, I’d like to get away with it. The only thing one can do here is feel compassionate and empathetic. You don’t know what that man could’ve been through, you don’t know his story, so don’t judge. Instead be a compassionate human being and look at this situation with a perspective of great love.

Question 26

What is forgiveness?

Answer 26

The action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.

Question 27

What does forgiveness mean? And what goes with it in Christianity?

Answer 27

Forgiveness means stopping being angry with someone who’s done something wrong. Christianity teaches that forgiveness comes from love.

Question 28

In Christianity why did Jesus die on the cross?

Answer 28

Jesus died on the cross to atone for the sins of all those who believed in him so that god might forgive our sins.

Question 29

What did Jesus teach about god and forgiveness?

Answer 29

Jesus taught that god is always read to forgive us but we must accept that forgiveness and forgive others in turn.

Question 30

What is an atheist?

Answer 30

Someone who does not believe there is a god.

Question 31

What is a theist?

Answer 31

Someone who does believe a god exists

Question 32

What is an agnostic?

Answer 32

Someone who says we cannot know whether a god exists.

Question 33

Why should a Christian help the needy?

Answer 33

To follow gods examples of teachings- you are all sons of god
Stewardship- as a steward we should look after others
To fulfil your duty to god- Christians believe this will take you to heaven and you will be rewarded.
To show unconditional love - demonstrating their love to god
We are all equal in the eyes of god- he was the creator so therefore we should all be equal
Jesus helped the needy- Jesus fed 5000. Parable of the Good Samaritan

Question 34

How can you believe in god or even start to do so?

Answer 34

1. Children generally believe what their parents tell them and copy them.
2. So if a child is brought up by religious parents then they’ll too will believe in god via their religious teachings.
3. Most Christians have their children baptised and so take them to church on Sundays to pray to learn about Christian faith.
4. Taking part in religious festivals like the navities play at school