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 such as Bonhoeffer/Kant/Bentham/Mill/Fletcher, with synoptic links across topics.
texts in a similar way to Christianity.
> Some overlap in texts such as the Old Testament.
> However - Christian ethics = result of Jesus’ crucifixion and belief in the Incarnation.
> Jewish + Muslim ethics do not assert the same level of significance in the role of
Jesus Christ.
Utilitarianism:
• Secular theory developed by Bentham + Mill.
> Quantative + qualitative measures of utility.
> Utility = the greatest good for the greatest number.
• Use of reason to apply the hedonic calculus - rational test to determine whether an
action is morally right.
> Christian ethics involves the use of reason to apply Jesus’ teachings.
• Utilitarianism + CE highlight impartiality.
> The welfare of every individual is of equal importance - do not discriminate.
• However - Bentham stated that pleasure + pain are our sole sources of ethical
authority.
> Most Christians seek multiple sources of authority.
> Pope/Priests/Bishop/prayer/leadership of others/etc.
• Therefore - whilst both involve the application of reason.
> Christian ethics is distinct in having multiple influencing factors.
Kantian Ethics:
• Deontological/absolutist - developed by Kant.
> Categorical Imperative = what we should use all the time.
> 3 principles = maxims must we universalisable/act as if you were through a law-
making member of a kingdom of ends/treat humans as a means to an ends in
themselves.
• KE postulates the existence of God + acts on an innate sense of duty.
> Christians act on their instructed duty to God to be stewards of His creation.
• Both focus on justice as duty is the only invariably good motive + both seek to raise
the standard of humanity.
> eg, KE focuses on consistency + innate respect/CE focuses on community, avoiding
selfish actions + engaging with the disadvantaged.
• However - KE is absolute.
> CE conveys a more situationalist approach grounded in agape love, although with
some universal laws.
> Evident with Fletcher’s development of SE which focuses on the role model of Jesus.
> Arguably - Natural Law is an absolutist theory.
> However, NL neglects Jesus’ flexibility, for example when he rebuked the Pharisees.
> Pope Francis offered compassion - advocating moral guidance grounded by love.
• Therefore - similar end goals through carefully considered actions.
> However, CE is less absolute.
Conclusion:
• There are certainly notable similarities between Christian ethics + other moral
systems of belief.
> However - CE is unique in asserting the centrality of Jesus Christ.
> Provides the framework to Christian morals which are distinct in their specific
principles.
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