U8.1 Moral Authority Flashcards
What are the 4 types of moral authority?
Law and teaching of the bibleTeachings and guidance of the ChurchThe consciencePrinciples of Situation Ethics
Which type of Christian would use only the a bible when making a moral decision, and why?
A literalist believes the bible is the word of God and literally true. They think it contains complete guidance from God. It contains laws on behaviour e.g. The Decalogue. It contains teachings on how to live e.g the NT offers moral guidance and teachings on how Xians should behave from St. Peter & St. Paul
Literalists believe the Bible comes from God and that this does not change, what do other Christians believe about the Bible?
Some think the bible is the word of God but needs to be interpreted by the Church.Others think the Bible was inspired by God and gives guidance about how to live but needs to be adapted for modern life.
All Christians believe the Bible has authority in their lives, but also look to the Church for help and advice when making moral decisions. How does the Church guide Christians?
Talking to other ChristiansListening to the priest or vicarPraying and worshiping togetherAccepting the authority of the Church to explain and teach. God’s word
How does the Church of England decide on moral issues?
Members of C of E refer to the General Synod. This is an assembly of elected members of the Church who decide on how members should respond to moral decisions.
How does the Catholic Church decide on moral issues?
Roman Catholics look to the Pope to help them make moral decisions.
Why do Christians believe the church has authority?
God speaks to them through the Church. The church is the body of Christ. Christians should follow the teachings of the Church as they are the teachings of Jesus. Only the Church understands the Bible and knows how to interpret and apply it’s teachings. The church provides rules so everyone knows what they should do.
Why do Christians believe the conscience is the most important guide when making moral decisions?
Some Christians believe the conscience is the voice of God within us and should be used when making decisions.Other Christians have been brought up through the teachings of Jesus and use knowledge of these teachings and other experiences in their life to do the right thing
What is a conscientious objector?
Is an example of when some Christians use conscience as their main guide when making moral decisions. These are people who object to fighting and refuse to fight in a war because they think it is against God’s moral code and their conscience tells them this is the correct action.
Why do Christians use Situation Ethics?
Every situation is judged individually As love is the main principle, it follows a genuine Christian actionLove is an easy principle to apply and remember in all situationsDoing the most loving thing will appeal to people as a positive idea
Why may Situation Ethics not be good?
It is impossible to predict what will happen in every example, which is what this requires.In theory, anything a person felt was the ‘most loving thing’ could be justified including adultery or murder.It is not so easy to apply Situation Ethics in everyday cases where we are used to having rules.
According to Situation Ethics when should a Christian obey the rules of the bible?
If it results in the most loving action. E.g. Thou shalt not steal can be ignored if you are stealing food to feed your starving child
Different authorities provide guidance on how Christians should live. Explain how good deeds will help a Christian lead a moral life.
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Different authorities provide guidance on how Christians should live. Explain how spiritual development will help a Christian lead a moral life.
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An example of when Christians might especially rely on their conscience is ….
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