How fair is the claim that there is nothing distinctive about Christian ethics
2 views 0 purchase
Course
Christian Ethics
Institution
OCR
Detailed bullet-point essay plan answering the question 'how fair is the claim that there is nothing distinctive about Christian ethics', written by a student with top grades. Includes reference to scholars including Bonhoeffer/Bentham/Mill/Kant/Fletcher, with synoptic links across topics.
How fair is the claim that there is nothing distinctive about Christian ethics?
Intro:
• Other ethical approaches.
> Kantian ethics/Utilitarianism/Jewish Ethics.
• Different interpretations of Christian ethics.
> Theonomous = sola scriptura.
> Heteronomous = there are several sources of authority.
> Autonomous = agape love is the ruling ethical norm.
Thesis:
• To argue that Christian ethics are entirely different to other ethical practices is a
misunderstanding of its origins.
> Stems from Jewish traditions/ethics.
> Certainly - Christian ethics are very similar to widely-accepted moral codes.
> Highlighted by Jackson + Bowie - there are similar moral codes across societies.
• However - Christian ethics take widely-accepted moral principles further.
> More specific principles that seek to extend the fatherly love of God to communities.
> eg, Christian ethics is built upon the acknowledgement that we are created by God
and have sinned.
• Therefore - overarching themes of love/justice/compassion etc are similar to other
ethical systems.
> However the specific teachings are distinct to Christianity.
Bonhoeffer: German Lutheran pastor + theologian:
• Lived during Nazi German + led vocal opposition, accusing Germans + Nazis of not
confessing their faith + being true to their discipleship.
> Found illegal seminary at Finkenwalde - Theological Declaration of Barmen confessed
Evangelical truths + asserted the centrality of Jesus.
> Specific Christian teachings.
> Civil disobedience + discipleship - placed discipleship to following God’s will above the
law, all human authority + civil responsibility.
> Costly grace + suffering - inherent in Christianity because we are called to pick up the
cross of Christ.
> Visible community - Christians must be the salt + light of a community.
• Distinctive in the centrality of Jesus + specific principles.
> Arguably - some of these teachings were unique to Bonhoeffer.
> However - they were derived from his deap-seated faith in Jesus Christ + can be used
by Christians today.
Tradition:
• Catholicism in particular - heavily associated with tradition.
> Affirmed in Dei verbatum.
> Believed that apostles were commissioned to spread the authentic word of God.
> Values continuity + advocates Natural Law which upholds the idea that some things
have intrinsic value.
> Open to change but by way of upholding traditional values.
• Arguably - Kantian Ethics also values continuity with emphasis on universalisation.
> But KE is not centred around a time context - unlike Christian ethics that sought to
challenge the patriarchy.
> Christian ethics = response to teachings of scripture + historical events such as
Jesus’ crucifixion.
• Although - Jewish + Muslim theonomous approaches view their scriptures/religious
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Kitty06. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.93. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
