Christian moral decision making -
There are four main ways Christians make moral decisions see the slide show below -
Each method has its pros and cons which you need to know -
The Bible
For- Some Christians believe its the direct word of God and therefore should be followed
- It contains records of Jesus's life and Christians can then use this as an example to follow on how to live their lives - It contains Jesus's teaching to follow - It also contains God's teachings to follow |
Against- Some Christians however think the bible is only inspired by God
- Also there has been social change since the time the bible has been written therefore its hard to make decisions based on the bible about todays situations - They could use more up to date methods sic as the church and their conscience |
The Conscience
For- Some Christians believe that God is talking to them through their conscience
- Your conscience can be applied to todays situations and the situation you are in - Its more up to date than the bible - The church says Christians should follow their conscience - St Paul and St Thomas Aquinas teach that Christians should use their conscience as the final part of moral decision making |
Against- Some Christians don't believe that your conscience is the voice of God however that the bible is
- The Yorkshire Ripper says that God told him to kill people and this seems unlikely so it could lead to people doing bad things - It means not all Christians are thinking the same way when making moral decisions and therefore there will be chaos according to some people ( Society needs an agreement on right and wrong ) |
Situation ethics
For- The bible teaches "love thy neighbour" and situation ethics is always doing the most loving thing
- The bible is out dated but situation ethics can be applied to any situation and is up to date - Jesus some times broke bible rules to do the most loving thing - " Do unto others " - Also Christianity is a religion of love and forgiveness |
Against- Many Christians don't like the idea of braking bible rules as they believe its the direct word of God
- God would not have put rules there is they were meant to be broken - Some Christians will have different ideas on what the most loving thing is and some people may get it wrong - Some people would prefer it if all Christians did the same thing when making moral decisions such as all following the bible and sometimes the church knows better tun the individual |
The Church
The only points against the church are positives for other methods of moral decision making.
For -
- Some Christians believe that God talks to them through the Church
- Its more up to date than the bible and can be used to reinterpret the bible into modern day situations
- The Church can keep all Christians going the same thing so theres no disagreement or chaos
- The church can look at todays issues and keep up with social change
For -
- Some Christians believe that God talks to them through the Church
- Its more up to date than the bible and can be used to reinterpret the bible into modern day situations
- The Church can keep all Christians going the same thing so theres no disagreement or chaos
- The church can look at todays issues and keep up with social change
Now try writing or planning this exam question-
C part - Explain why some Christians would not use the church for moral decision making
C part - Explain why some Christians would not use the church for moral decision making
Democracy and voting
In the UK every citizen over the age of 18 can vote for -
-Members of parliament
-local councillors
-Members of European parliament
You may be asked a B part question on if you think people should vote here are some reasons why people may think its good to vote -
- Government sets rates of tax and this will affect people
- Government passes new laws which will affect your life
- People had to fight for our rights to vote therefore we should be respectful and take our vote
- If you don't vote you can't complain
- If nobody votes extremist parties may take over the country
-Members of parliament
-local councillors
-Members of European parliament
You may be asked a B part question on if you think people should vote here are some reasons why people may think its good to vote -
- Government sets rates of tax and this will affect people
- Government passes new laws which will affect your life
- People had to fight for our rights to vote therefore we should be respectful and take our vote
- If you don't vote you can't complain
- If nobody votes extremist parties may take over the country
Now try writing a exam question on this theres an example answer below -
B part - Do you think everyone should vote in elections ?
B part - Do you think everyone should vote in elections ?
Example answer -
I do think that people should vote in the elections. One reason for my point of view is the government make important decisions which affect people lives , therefore people should vote because then they will get a say in these rules affecting their lives and it gives them the power to do something about rules they don't agree with. A second reason for my point of view is if nobody votes it could lead to minority and extremist parties to gain power , therefore people should vote as otherwise extreme or unfair rules could be made that many people will disagree with.
Breakdown of marks -
1st mark - stating 1st reason for point of view
2nd mark - development of 1st reason
3rd mark - Stating 2nd reason for point of view
4th mark - Developing of 2nd reason
I do think that people should vote in the elections. One reason for my point of view is the government make important decisions which affect people lives , therefore people should vote because then they will get a say in these rules affecting their lives and it gives them the power to do something about rules they don't agree with. A second reason for my point of view is if nobody votes it could lead to minority and extremist parties to gain power , therefore people should vote as otherwise extreme or unfair rules could be made that many people will disagree with.
Breakdown of marks -
1st mark - stating 1st reason for point of view
2nd mark - development of 1st reason
3rd mark - Stating 2nd reason for point of view
4th mark - Developing of 2nd reason