Reference no: EM132820981

Question:

Discussion Christian Ethics DB2:

Comparing and Contrasting Metaethical Theories There are many various ethical schools of thought, that is to define what are good, sane, moral actions and how to consistently implement safe, sane, moral choices in our day to day lives. These theories include concepts such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, or ethical egoism. There are also many Christian specific ethical theories that implement the teachings of Christ, the word of God or sometimes the literal interpretation of the scripture itself. These Christian ethical theories include, Divine Command Theory, and Divine Nature Theory.

Virtue ethics is based on one's own character and personal virtues. This implies that we should base our moral and ethical decisions on what we believe to be the right thing to do, and the knowledge of what is right and wrong is inherent to all. This may starkly contrast with Christian ethical theories such as the divine command theory.

Divine command theory suggests that people need to be taught basic moral values based on the scripture. What is directly told of us in the Bible are the "good" choices. This would imply that we alone are not capable of figuring out right and wrong or what is "virtuous" as virtue ethics suggests. Theoretically, one could maintain a divine command theory lifestyle and use those divine commands as what one considers to be virtuous behavior. However, virtue ethics do not require a Christian ethical worldview.

Christian ethics may also consist of a divine nature theory which consists of the belief that the divine nature of God and how his actions are portrayed in the bible is our manuscript for sane, moral, behavior. In essence, act like God and do what God did and you will be an ethical moral human being. This may compare with utilitarianism, which suggests that the right thing to do is what is best for the majority. Utilitarianism can be thought of as, "the greater good". One could speculate that God does many things for the greater good of humanity or just the greater good of Christians. Of course, Utilitarianism doesn't have to include the teachings and actions of God nor the bible. It also, like divine nature theory is easily manipulated to only benefit a certain group of people rather than humanity as a whole. This all contrasts with our final theory to discuss, Ethical egoism.

Ethical egoism is the idea of doing what is best for you, the individual. The "good" moral choice is whatever will offer you, the decider, the best outcome. In essence it is, "Looking out for number one". Of course, Ethical egoism contrasts with both of our Christian ethical theories, divine command theory and divine nature theory. Christian ethics tend to be based on treating people how you would like to be treated and being kind to your fellow Christians. The idea of ethical egoism does not necessarily require you to be nice to anyone, though it will be in your best interest most of the time.

As we can see there are normal, relative ethics for all people to ponder where they may or may not implement some of the ethics presented in the bible, and there are Christian specific ethical theories for those who choose to take the bible at face value. One can compare the basic moral ethics taught in the bible to something one might come to on their own. One may also see the absolutist nature of Christian ethics contrasting to other less limited options. Sources McQuilkin, Robertson, and Copan, Paul. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics : Walking in the Way of Wisdom. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014. Accessed March 5, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.