Good and Evil Flashcards
Relative morality and examples
What is the right or wrong way to behave changes according to either time, culture or a situation.
Utilitarianism-greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Siutation ethics-always do the most loving thing in any situation.
Virtue ethics-Follow the virtues and which virtue is required will change according to the situation e.g. patience if someone is being difficult, bravery in a dangerous situation. Christians try to follow the virtues of Jesus e.g. compassion, bravery, patience.
Absolute morality and examples
What is the right or wrong way to behave does not change and stays the same regardless of time, culture or situation.
Natural Moral law-God has revealed human purpose in nature. Anything that goes against this is wrong.
Divine command-follow God’s rules-10 commandments.
Aims of punishment
Deterrence
Reparation
Vindication
Reform
Retribution
Protection
Fundamentalist Evangelicals support justice, retribution and vindication
“Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” Leviticus
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” Genesis.
“Let justice roll down like a river.” Amos.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” Jesus
Liberal Christians support reform
Jesus forgave the adulterous woman and gave her a second chance “Go and sin no more.”
Lord’s prayer-if Christians want to be forgiven, then they must forgive others and give them a second chance “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7 times.
Fundamentalist Evangelicals support Capital punishment
Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” Leviticus
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” Genesis.
“Let justice roll down like a river.” Amos.
St Paul says the authorities have been put there by God. If they decide CP is lawful, then this should not be resisted.
36 capital offences in the Old testament.
Liberal Christians disagree with capital punishment
Must give criminal the chance to reform because:
a. Jesus forgave the adulterous woman and gave her a second chance “Go and sin no more.”
b. Lord’s prayer-if Christians want to be forgiven, then they must forgive others and give them a second chance “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
c. “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” Jesus
d. Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7 times.
Examples of forgiveness
Amy Biehl’s parents.
Amy Biehl was murdered in a racist attack whilst helping to fight for equality in South Africa
Parents spoke up at the trial of the convicted and enabled a pardon.
They met with the two of the convicted men-got to know them and their families. Two men were able to say they were sorry and the parents helped them get on with their lives-restorative justice.
Parents set up the Amy Biehl foundation to give black youth after school clubs and opportunities-stop the falling into gangs
Anthony Walker
Anthony was killed in a racist attack and stabbed to death. His mother and sister forgave the killers- his mother thought that carrying unforgiveness around was too much of a burden for her and she had to forgive his killers. As a Christian he followed the Bible- Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7.
Some Christians believe you should always forgive
a. Jesus forgave the adulterous woman and gave her a second chance “Go and sin no more.”
b. Lord’s prayer-if Christians want to be forgiven, then they must forgive others and give them a second chance “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
c. “Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7 times.
d. Jesus’ parables show the importance of forgiveness e.g. parable of the prodigal son.
Some Christians argue forgiveness is not always appropriate
Sometimes, only God can forgive some crimes-on the cross, Jesus says “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Mary never openly forgave Jesus’ killers.
Repentance is a key part of forgiveness and reconciliation. If the criminal is not sorry, may be they should not be forgiven e.g. in the prodigal son parable, the father forgives the son because he was sorry.
Examples of prison reformers
John Howard
Education for prisoners, clean running water, access to healthcare, separation from women, emphasis on reform
Elizabeth Fry
Taught women the bible, sewing to earn a living
Nowadays-have all the above and basic human rights-drug rehabilitation, education, medical care, reform.
Role of prison chaplains
Counsel inmates-emotional needs,
Counsel relatives.
Help with reintegration into society.
Carry out acts of worship with them e.g. prayer, read the Bible.
Discuss spiritual needs-forgiveness.
In America-be with them as they die.
Why do prison chaplains help inmates
“Treat others as you would like to be treated”
Love thy neighbour, Parable of the sheep and the goats. Example of Jesus with outcasts.
Love one another as I have loved you.
Metta, karuna, anatta, 8 fold path, development of paramitas.
Origins of good and evil in Christianity
Goodness-from creation, evil from the fall and human abuse of free will, potentially from the devil (the snake).
How do Christians know what goodness is
God has revealed it through 10 commandments.
Example of Jesus and his virtues e.g. compassion, bravery, love for all.
