Fletcher vs sola scriptura

Question 1

What is one of the strengths of situation ethics according to Fletcher?

strengths

Answer 1

Fletcher argues that situation ethics offers a liberal approach to the Bible, emphasizing its focus on love rather than strict adherence to legalistic rules.

Question 2

How does Fletcher critique traditional legalistic approaches to the Bible?

strengths

Answer 2

Fletcher argues that taking the Bible literally or interpreting it can be problematic because it is impossible to know which interpretation is correct, leading to ambiguity in ethical teachings.

Question 3

What does Fletcher propose as an alternative view of the Bible’s ethical teachings?

strengths

Answer 3

Fletcher suggests that the Bible should be seen as offering paradigms or suggestions rather than rigid rules, emphasizing the overarching theme of love as the guiding principle.

Question 4

According to Fletcher, how should Christians approach ethical decision-making based on the Bible?

strengths

Answer 4

Christians should prioritize love and agape in their decision-making, allowing for flexibility and interpretation rather than strict adherence to specific rules.

Question 5

What is the liberal view of inspiration regarding the Bible?

strengths

Answer 5

The liberal view of inspiration holds that the Bible is not the perfect word of God but contains valuable teachings and guidance, particularly emphasizing themes like love and forgiveness.

Question 6

What is the main ethical theme emphasized by Fletcher in the Bible?

strengths

Answer 6

Fletcher focuses on the theme of love, arguing that it is the central principle underlying the ethical teachings of Jesus and St. Paul in the Bible.

Question 7

How does Fletcher’s approach to the Bible challenge legalism?

strengths

Answer 7

Fletcher’s emphasis on love as the guiding principle challenges legalistic interpretations of the Bible by prioritizing flexibility and interpretation over strict adherence to rules.

Question 8

What example does Fletcher use to illustrate the ambiguity of interpreting the Bible?

strengths

Answer 8

Fletcher uses the example of “do not resist an evil person” to illustrate the challenge of interpreting the Bible and the need for a more flexible approach to ethical decision-making.

Question 9

What criticism does Fletcher’s situation ethics face regarding its compatibility with Biblical Christian ethics?

Weakness

Answer 9

Critics argue that Fletcher’s theory may not properly reflect Christian ethics because it focuses solely on the command to love, ignoring other teachings in the Bible.

Question 10

How does Martin Luther’s concept of ‘sola scriptura’ challenge Fletcher’s approach?

Weakness

Answer 10

‘Sola scriptura’ asserts that the Bible alone is the source of moral authority, suggesting that Fletcher’s reliance on individual interpretation of love may deviate from traditional Christian doctrine.

Question 11

What aspect of Christian ethics does W. L. Craig emphasize as equally important to love?

Weakness

Answer 11

Craig argues that God’s justice is just as significant as His love, suggesting that Fletcher’s theory may overlook or downplay other essential aspects of Christian morality.

Question 12

How do critics argue that Fletcher’s theory dilutes Christian ethics?

Weakness

Answer 12

Critics contend that by reducing Christian ethics to simply loving and wishing the best for others, Fletcher’s theory becomes indistinguishable from secular morality and lacks the distinctiveness of Christian teachings.

Question 13

According to Fletcher’s critics, what key element of Christian ethics does his theory overlook?

Weakness

Answer 13

Critics argue that Fletcher’s theory overlooks the importance of God’s justice in Christian ethics, focusing too narrowly on the command to love.

Question 14

How does Fletcher’s focus on love in situation ethics compare to secular morality?

Weakness

Answer 14

Critics argue that Fletcher’s emphasis on love lacks the distinctiveness of Christian ethics and resembles secular morality, as it could be interpreted as merely advocating for general well-wishing towards others.

Question 15

How does Fletcher respond to criticism regarding his departure from traditional Christian ethics?

Final judgement defending situation ethics

Answer 15

Fletcher argues that the ambiguity in interpreting the Bible supports his approach, suggesting that the Bible should be viewed as guidelines rather than the perfect word of God.

Question 16

How does Fletcher address the critique that his theory overlooks the importance of God’s justice?

Final judgement defending situation ethics

Answer 16

Fletcher maintains that justice is a manifestation of love, supporting his contention that his theory aligns with Christian ethics, albeit with a focus on agape.

Question 17

How does Fletcher reconcile the conflicting interpretations of biblical teachings?

Final judgement defending situation ethics

Answer 17

Fletcher suggests that the complexity of interpreting the Bible justifies his approach, emphasizing the need to prioritize love over strict adherence to specific biblical commandments.

Question 18

According to Fletcher, how should the Bible be viewed in the context of situation ethics?

Final judgement defending situation ethics

Answer 18

Fletcher argues that the Bible should be regarded as guidelines rather than infallible rules, allowing for the prioritization of agape in moral decision-making.

Question 19

How does Fletcher justify his departure from traditional Christian ethics?

Final judgement defending situation ethics

Answer 19

Fletcher contends that the interpretive challenges posed by the Bible support his approach, enabling him to prioritize agape over strict adherence to specific biblical commands.

Question 20

What critique does the final judgment offer regarding Fletcher’s approach to interpreting the Bible?

Final judgement critiquing situation ethics

Answer 20

The critique suggests that Fletcher’s liberal approach to the Bible is no more objective than attempting to interpret it, as both are subject to individual interpretation.

Question 21

How does the final judgment view Fletcher’s resolution of the problem of interpreting the Bible?

Final judgement critiquing situation ethics

Answer 21

The final judgment contends that Fletcher has not resolved the problem of biblical interpretation but has instead deferred it, resulting in an unresolved issue within situation ethics.

Question 22

What conclusion does the final judgment draw regarding the effectiveness of situation ethics in addressing Christian ethics?

Final judgement critiquing situation ethics

Answer 22

The final judgment argues that situation ethics fails to provide a convincing approach to Christian ethics and tends to slide into antinomianism due to its subjective nature.