What do Christians think about Situation Ethics? Flashcards
Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus uses the word “Agape” (selfless love) in the Bible
uses Jesus’ teachings in the Bible
Golden Rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Jesus is a role model for this approach
Adulterous woman — Jesus offered her a second chance
Sabbath Day corn picking story
“Sabbath was made for the man not man for the Sabbath.”
spirit of the law
Personal. Based on the well-being of others
Agape = selfless/unconditional love
Golden Rule
e.g. divorce (Joseph Fletcher): “If the emotional and spiritual welfare of both parents and children in a particular family can be served best by a divorce, … then love requires it.” — Fletcher
this goes against the moral absolutes of the Roman Catholic Church
Pragmatic. It is more flexible and useful than rigidly following Biblical laws for the sake of following them
“The morality of an action depends on the situation.” (Fletcher)
It goes against fundamental commandments in the Bible
it supports things such as abortion is it is the most selfless thing to do although this is against the Bible e.g. a young girl who is mentally ill is raped and becomes pregnant
abortion goes against the Sanctity of Life principles found in the Bible
St Paul points out that the law was put in place because humans are likely to be selfish and sinful if they try to decide for themselves. Aquinas also believes this arguing that laws are put in place to curb self-interest
Christianity has religious rules and absolutes for the well-being of its followers. It is difficult for people to think rationally about the most loving thing when they are directly affected
It might lead to evil acts
Hiroshima nuclear bombings: it was the most loving thing to do as it got american soldiers out of Japan and less people died this way although many still died
sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind
in principle, even murder could be allowed under Situation Ethics
The idea of love could be “subjective”
how do we define selfless love? there are so many exceptions Fletcher’s examples e.g. the lying spy, sacrificial adultery it is difficult to predict consequences
