Introduction

Question 1

Who created Situation Ethics and in what decade?

Answer 1

Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s.

Question 2

What societal context influenced the creation of Situation Ethics?

Answer 2

The 1960s, defined by radical social movements aimed at overthrowing traditional, oppressive ways of life.

Question 3

What dilemma does religion face in the context of modernizing forces according to Fletcher’s perspective?

Answer 3

Whether to adapt and reform itself or attempt to carry on as if nothing had changed.

Question 4

How does Fletcher’s Situation Ethics exemplify liberal Christianity?

Answer 4

By rejecting strict adherence to moral laws and reducing Christian ethics to the overarching theme of love.

Question 5

What traditional approach to Christian ethics did Fletcher reject?

Answer 5

The strict adherence to moral laws.

Question 6

What is the central theme of Jesus’ ethics that Fletcher emphasized in Situation Ethics?

Answer 6

Love (Agape)

Question 7

Why did Fletcher believe traditional Christian ethics needed to be reformed?

Answer 7

Because traditional ways of life were seen as oppressive and needed to adapt to modernizing social movements.