Christian Ethics Normative Ethics Copyright 2015 Ronald M

Normative Ethics (Ethical Theories of Decision-Making) Christian Ethics Calvin and Hobbes (August, 1999) [on-line];

Three Aspects of Ethics: Ethical Issues (Applied Ethics) Social Personal Ethics Ethical Theories of

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Character Rule Act Consequence

Teleology Naturalism Major Ethical Theories Deontology Act Consequentialism Rule Consequentialism • Machiavellianism • Rule

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology From the Greek, τέλος [telos], meaning end

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology Character The person of character acts in

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Consequence (Consequentialism) (Rightness is based on the

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Act (Rightness is based on actions, which

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Rule (Rightness is based on rules that

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Definition of the Third Option: The

Difference between situational ethics and absolute ethics: • Situational Ethics: In situational ethics, the

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule-Non. Consequentialism William of Ockham (1285 -1349)

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Character Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Non-Conflicting

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Graded

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler Christian Ethics, (1989) Conflicting

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology Aristotle (383 -322 B. C. ) Aristotelian

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Augustine (354– 430) Virtue Ethics Thomas Aquinas

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle What is the end. Rom

Rom. 3: 23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question How does one gain character-virtue? Verse Ps 37: 31;

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle Character is gained With respect

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle How does one Titus 2:

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle What kind of 1 Cor

Gal 5: 5 -6 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 1: 2 -3 2 We always thank God for all of you,

Titus 3: 4 -7 4 But when the kindness and love of God our

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question What kind of character-virtues is one to gain. .

Scotus’-Biblical Divine Command Theory On what are God’s Lev. 11: 44 -45; 19: 2;

Scotus’-Biblical Divine Command Theory Compare the Compare Ex 20: 16 to The command following

Teleology Naturalism Major Ethical Theories Deontology Act Consequentialism Rule Consequentialism Virtue Ethics Act Non-

Pick a Position Of the four biblical systems that we have studied, chose the

Method As we study different ethical issues there is a four step process that

Test Cases Test Case #1: Lying and Truth Telling Corry ten Boom “The Hiding

Test Cases Test Case #2: Stealing-Murder It is during the Great Depression of the

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Christian Ethics: Normative Ethics Copyright © 2015 Ronald M. Rothenberg, Ph. D. All rights reserved. Not to be distributed or reproduced without permission of the author. ronaldmrothenberg. com rmrothenberg@outlook. com

Normative Ethics (Ethical Theories of Decision-Making) Christian Ethics Calvin and Hobbes (August, 1999) [on-line]; accessed 21 August 1999; available from http//www. yahoo. com; Internet.

Three Aspects of Ethics: Ethical Issues (Applied Ethics) Social Personal Ethics Ethical Theories of Decision-Making (Normative Ethics) Philosophical Presuppositions (Meta-Ethics) Adapted from: Craig Mitchell, "Introduction Philosophical Presuppositions, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 9.

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Character Rule Act Consequence

Teleology Naturalism Major Ethical Theories Deontology Act Consequentialism Rule Consequentialism • Machiavellianism • Rule Utilitarianism: John Niccolo Machiavelli Stuart Mill (1806 -1873) (1469 -1527) • Act Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Virtue Ethics Act Non • Virtue Ethics: Aristotle (383 -322), Augustine (354 -430), Aquinas (1225 -1274) • Divine Command Theory: John Duns Scotus (1265 -1308) Consequentialism • Existentialism: Soren Kierkegaard (1813 -1855), Nietzsche (1844 -1900) • Situation Ethics: Joseph Fletcher (1905 -1991) Craig Vincent Mitchell, Philosophy and Philosophers, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), chart 43. Rule-Non. Consequentialism • Kantianism or Kantian Deontology: Immanuel Kant (1724 -1804) • Divine Command Theory: William of Ockham (1285 -1349)

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology From the Greek, τέλος [telos], meaning end or purpose. The nature or purpose (telos) of a thing determines what is good. Character Deontology From the Greek, δέον [deon], meaning duty or obligation. ) What is right on the basis of rules, actions, consequences, or other factors determines what is good and obligates (deon) the moral agent to that course of action (tells them what their duty (deon) is. Rule Act Consequence Teleological ethics have a philosophical basis that is consistent with the Bible, but the philosophical basis of deontological ethics is biblically inconsistent. Therefore, deontological ethics are not acceptable for believers and cannot be combined with teleological ethics.

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology Character The person of character acts in accordance with natural law and virtue, in order to determine what is good. Natural law indicates purpose (telos). Deontology Rule Rightness is based on rules that determine what is good. Act Rightness is based on actions, which determine what is good. Consequence Consequentialism: Rightness is based on the consequences of actions, which determine what is good.

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Consequence (Consequentialism) (Rightness is based on the consequences of actions, which determine what is good. ) Act Consequentialism Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 -1527) Necessity or Ends Justifies the Means “It is necessary for a prince who wishes to maintain his position to learn how not to be good, and to use this knowledge or not to use it according to necessity” (The Prince, 348). “As long as it is possible, he should not stray from the good, but he should know how to enter into evil when necessity commands” (The Prince). Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Act Utilitarianism The right action results in-has the consequences of the greatest amount-quantity of happiness for the greatest number of people (Principles of Legislation).

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Consequence (Consequentialism) (Rightness is based on the consequences of actions, which determine what is good. ) Rule-Consequentialism John Stuart Mill (1806 -1873) Rule Utilitarianism Following the right rule results in/has the consequences of an act which results in the greatest quality of happiness for the greatest number of people “utility as the test of right and wrong. . . every writer, from Epicurus to Bentham, who maintained theory of utility meant by it, not something to be contradistinguished from pleasure, but pleasure itself together with exemption from pain; and instead of opposing the useful to the agreeable or the ornamental, have always declared that the useful means these, among other things” (Utilitarianism).

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Act (Rightness is based on actions, which determine what is good. ) Act Non-Consequentialism Soren Kierkegaard (1813 -1855) “Christian” Existentialism Works of Love, Concluding unscientific Postscript Nietzsche (1844 -1900) “Athiest” Existentialism: The moral agent should use their free will to responsibly chose the course of action which is authentic, true to themselves, and frees them from angstanxiety. The right act is the one that we would want to do forever. Beyond Good and Evil, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Ecce homo, Genealogy of Morals Joseph Fletcher (1905 -91) The right thing to do in any situation is to act according to love (Situation Ethics).

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Deontology Rule (Rightness is based on rules that determine what is good. ) Rule-Non-Consequentialism William of Ockham (1285 -1349) Divine Command Theory The Bible is viewed as a book of rules that determine right action. Good or right is based on God’s will alone. Euthyphro Dilemma (From Plato’s Dialogues): 1. If something is good because God declares it so, then goodness is arbitrary. 2. On the other hand, if God approves of something because it is good, then goodness is something apart from God. Immanuel Kant (1724 -1804) Kantianism or Kantian Deontology Categorical Imperative: “I am never to act otherwise than so that I could also will that my maxim should become a universal law” (Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals). [Never do anything unless you would want everyone else to do it too. ]

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Definition of the Third Option: The right action is the one that fulfills all of God’s commands because there never is an actual conflict between God’s commands. When an apparent conflict seems to occur, then either a third option exists, God will provide a third option (1 Cor 10: 13), or a person is simply facing the consequences of their sins (Gal 6: 7 -8) and not making a real moral decision. Rule Definition of the Greater Good: The right action is the one which upholds the greatest of God’s commands (Mt 22: 36 -40; 23: 23). In the case of a conflict between two or more commands, the believer is obligated or has a duty to obey the higher command (Ex 1: 15 -19) and is exempted from obeying the lower command (Ex 1: 2021). Rule Definition of the Lesser of the Two Evils: The right action is the one which commits the least sin (Jn 19: 11; Mt 12: 32; Lk 12: 4748). In the case of a conflict between two or more commands, the believer is obligated or has a duty to commit the lesser of the two evils (Ex 1: 15 -21) and confess and repent (1 Jn 1: 9). Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Difference between situational ethics and absolute ethics: • Situational Ethics: In situational ethics, the situation determines what the appropriate behavior is. For example, in situational ethics it might be right to lie in one situation and wrong in another. • Absolute Ethics: In absolute ethics, the situation may define which absolutes are relevant, but the absolutes determine what behavior is appropriate. Absolutes do not exist in a vacuum. Remember we defined absolute truth as a basis of truth by which you compare to an unchanging standard to get the truth. In the case of ethics we compare the situation to an unchanging standard to determine what action is right. In contrast to situational ethics, in deontological absolute ethics it will always be wrong to lie, but how one acts or responds may change depending on what other absolutes are relevant according to the circumstances.

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule-Non. Consequentialism William of Ockham (1285 -1349) Divine Command Theory Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Non-Conflicting Absolutism (The Third Option) William of Ockham (1285 -1349) Divine Command Theory Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Graded Absolutism (The Greatest Good) William of Ockham (1285 -1349) Divine Command Theory Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Conflicting Absolutism (The Lesser of the Two Evils)

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Character Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Non-Conflicting Absolutism (The Third Option) Q: According to 1 Cor 10: 13, are there circumstances such that two or more of God’s laws are in conflict so that they contradict each other, resulting in a situation in which the believer is left with the moral decision of choosing between two sinful actions? A: According the Third Option, 1 Cor 10: 13 indicates that there is never a true moral conflict between moral absolutes or biblical rules because God provides a way out either in response to prayer and faith by giving direct intervention through unforeseen circumstances or miracles or by giving wisdom (James 1: 5) to discover a third option that is not sinful. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Character Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Non-Conflicting Absolutism (The Third Option) Q: Are all decisions moral choices or do some circumstances fit into another category? If so, then what is that category? See: Gal 6: 7 -8; 2 Sam 24: 1 -4, 10 -15; 1 Chr 1: 1 -5, 8 -15. A: If a person sins then a moral conflict may actually exist but the situation is a result of sin not God’s design. In this case, the individual is facing the consequences of their sin: law of sowing and reaping (Gal 6: 7 -8; James 3: 18) and not making a true moral decision. Since God often allows us to face the consequences of our sin instead of intervening, then the moral situation may seem to be similar to conflicting absolutism, a choice between the lesser of the two evils and confess one’s sin (David and the census of the fighting men: 2 Sam 24: 1 -15; 1 Chr 21: 1 -14) but the situation is one of facing the consequences of sin. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Character Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Non-Conflicting Absolutism (The Third Option) Q: How does God resolve this type of circumstances? Compare 1 Chr 21: 15 -28 to 1 Sam 12: 9 -23? A: However, with confession and repentance negative consequences to others may be avoided by a third option of divine intervention (David and the census of the fighting men: 2 Sam 24: 15 -25; 1 Chr 21: 15 -30) but other times they may not (2 Sam 12: 9 -23). Sometimes both others and ourselves will suffer greatly or even die because of our sin. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Graded Absolutism (The Greatest Good) Q: Are some of God’s commandments more important than others? See: Mt 22: 36 -40; 23: 23. A: Mt 22: 36 -40; 23: 23 indicate that God’s commands are in a hierarchy. Also, everyone institutively understands that in the Ten Commandments, the command not to murder is more important than not stealing which is more important than not lying. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Graded Absolutism (The Greatest Good) Q: Are God’s commandments sometimes in conflict with each other? Compare: Ex 20: 13, 16 to 1: 15 -19. A: The Hebrew midwifes were faced with a choice between either murdering Hebrew babies or lying to Pharaoh about not doing it. This choice resulted because we live in a sinful world and even when we are faithful, like the midwifes, we are confronted with other people’s sin, like Pharaoh’s, so that conflicts between God’s commands are unavoidable. Some interpret this passage to claim that they lied. Others claim that they were not lying based on scientific evidence that women who do hard manual labor, like the Hebrew women were in Ex 1: 14, actually do give birth very quickly and so God provided a third option way out so that the midwives were not lying. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1989) Graded Absolutism (The Greatest Good) Q: What was God’s response to the midwife’s decision? See: Ex 1: 20 -21. What does God’s response imply about how we should decide in such circumstances? What does it imply about our guilt? A: Since God explicitly approved of the midwifes actions, if we assume they lied, then he did not hold them guilty for upholding the higher command breaking the lower command or exempted them from the command. They chose the greater good or higher command. If they did not lie God approves of their faith not to kill despite Pharaoh. Exempt = excuse or grant immunity is NOT exception = rule not apply. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler Christian Ethics, (1989) Conflicting Absolutism (The Lesser of the Two Evils) Q: Are some sins worse than others: See: Jn 19: 11; Mt 12: 32; Lk 12: 47 -48. A: Jn 19: 11 indicates that there is a greater sin. Mt 12: 32 indicates that there is a greatest sin. Lk 12: 47 -48 indicates that some sins will be punished more than others so that all these verses indicate a hierarchy of sin. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler Christian Ethics, (1989) Conflicting Absolutism (The Lesser of the Two Evils) Q: Are God’s commandments sometimes in conflict with each other? Compare: Ex 20: 13, 16 to 1: 15 -19. A: The Hebrew midwifes were faced with a choice between either murdering Hebrew babies or lying to Pharaoh about not doing it. This choice resulted because we live in a sinful world and even when we are faithful, like the midwifes, we are confronted with other people’s sin, like Pharaoh’s, so that conflicts between God’s commands are unavoidable. If we assume that the midwifes lied, then they chose the lesser sin of lying over the greater sin of murder or they chose the lesser of the two evils. They did sin but in Ex 1: 20 -21 God was still able to bless them why? Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Deontology Rule Norman Geisler Christian Ethics, (1989) Conflicting Absolutism (The Lesser of the Two Evils) Q: Given God’s response to the midwives’ decision in Ex 1: 20 -21, how was God able to respond this way? What does this mean we should do in similar situations. See: 1 Jn 1: 9. A: Because we live in a sinful imperfect world, God knows that we will face circumstances in which we need to decide between the lesser of two evils. In such cases, forgiveness is available for us when we chose the lesser evil or sin and confess and repent. Sources: Craig Mitchell, “Overview of Ethical Theory, " (classroom lecture notes, CNETH-4323—The Bible and Moral Issues, Spring, 2007, Power. Point), 3 -6; Craig Vincent Mitchell, Christian Ethics, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) charts 36 -49; Norman L. Geisler, Christian Ethics: Options and Issues (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

Normative Ethics: Major Secular Ethical Theories Teleology Aristotle (383 -322 B. C. ) Aristotelian (Classical) Virtue Ethics “that which is proper to each thing is by nature best and most pleasant for each thing” (Nicomachean Ethics). “With regard to honour and dishonour the mean is proper pride, the excess [vice] is known as a sort of 'empty vanity', and the deficiency [vice] is undue humility” (Nicomachean Ethics). “all flatterers are of the lowest class, and humble people are flatterers” (Nicomachean Ethics). How does Aristotle’s third quote in the row above compare to (Ps 138: 6; Prov 3: 34; Matt 23: 12; See esp. 1 Pet 5: 5)? Do his virtues and vices seem to match or contradict the Bible’s virtues and vices? How so?

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Augustine (354– 430) Virtue Ethics Thomas Aquinas (1225– 1274) Virtue Ethics John Duns Scotus (1265 -1308) Divine Command Theory

Rom. 3: 23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ” Sin is falling short of the standard of God’s character (Rom. 3: 23): Right: Obey, Virtue. Rom. 3: 2323 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Sin: Wrong “falling short” Vice. The “mark”is the bull’s eye representing the standard of God’s character.

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle What is the end. Rom 8: 29; 12: 2; 1 To be transformedpurpose-goal of Cor 15: 49; Col 3: 10; conformed to God’s acting ethically? 1 Jn 3: 2 image. To have divine character. What is sin? As a Rom 3: 23 Sin is falling short of result of this the perfect standard of definition of sin, God’s character. So how would you virtues are character define virtues and traits in accordance vices? with God’s nature and created purposes while vices are contrary to His nature. What is one reason Lev 4: 27– 28; Luke Lack of knowledge. that a person sins? 12: 48 What is one reason Rom 5: 6; 8: 3 Lack of power. that a person sins?

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question How does one gain character-virtue? Verse Ps 37: 31; 40: 8; 119: 11; 1 Cor 2: 14 How does one gain character-virtue? Eph 3: 16; Rom 15: 16; 1 Cor 6: 11; 1 Pe 1: 2 Virtue Ethic Principle By knowing the Word of God. We will see that it is by knowing the law -will-commands, stories, and examples in the Bible. HS illuminates so that understanding occurs. Empowered by the HS to gain virtue, live a holy life.

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle Character is gained With respect to the Mt 4: 19; 1 Thess. from observing God’s NT, how does one 1: 6; 2: 14; 1 Cor. gain character 4: 16, 11: 1; Eph. 5: 1; character through his virtue? Phil. 3: 17, 4: 9; Heb. acts in the Bible and through his servants 6: 12, 13: 7. who model his (Esp. Mt 4: 19; 1 Co character. One gains 11: 1; Phil 3: 17; Heb character by watching someone who already 6: 12) has character. One may also gain character by listening to or reading narratives. Emphasis in NT. With respect to the 1 Cor 10: 6, 11 OT, how does one gain charactervirtue? Same as previous but emphasis in OT.

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle How does one Titus 2: 11 -12; 1 Titus 2: 11 -12 παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς, us” is a present participle gain character Tim 4; 7; 2 Tim “teaches indicating continuous action. -virtue? 3: 16; Heb 5: 4; Negatively to say No, and positively to be self-controlled, one 12: 11 of the fruit of the Spirit or virtues. ἵνα ἀρνησάμενοι “so that we denying. ” 1 Tim 4; 7; 2 Tim 3: 16; Heb 5: 4; 12: 11 all use the verb “γυμνάζω, ” “to exercise naked, to train, ’ which indicates a repetitive process or Aristotle’s habituation, meaning a pattern of behavior acquired by repetition, but here in the Spirit’s power and knowledge of the Word to imitate God’s character. However, it is controversial if the involuntary or unconscious sense of habitual is included.

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle What kind of 1 Cor 13: 13 Augustine’s Theological character-virtues is Virtues—Gifts of the HS one to gain? given to the believer to enable them to have the power and knowledge to live in conformity to God’s character. Faith, Hope, Love What kind of Micah 6: 8; Is character-virtues is 56: 1; Jer 22: 3 one to gain. . . As emphasized in the Prophets?

Gal 5: 5 -6 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Colossians 1: 3 -8 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

1 Thessalonians 1: 2 -3 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 6: 11, 17 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. . 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Titus 3: 4 -7 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question Verse Virtue Ethic Principle What kind of 1 Cor 13: 13 Augustine’s Theological character-virtues is Virtues—Gifts of the HS one to gain? given to the believer to enable them to have the power and knowledge to live in conformity to God’s character. Faith, Hope, Love What kind of Micah 6: 8; Is Aristotle’s Cardinal character-virtues is 56: 1; Jer 22: 3 Virtues affirmed by one to gain. . . As Augustine and Aquinas. emphasized in the Recognized from natural Prophets? law-revelation and are added after the HS develops theological virtues in a believer. Justice

Augustinian-Thomistic Biblical Virtue Ethics Question What kind of character-virtues is one to gain. . . As emphasized in the Wisdom Literature? What kind of character-virtues is one to gain. . . As emphasized in the historical books? What kind of character-virtues is one to gain. . . As emphasized in the Law? Verse Pr 1: 1, 7; 2: 6 Joshua 1: 6, 7, 9, 18; Ac 27: 22, 25 Lev 18: 7 -24; 19: 10 -31 What kind of Gal 5: 22 -23 character-virtues is one to gain? Virtue Ethic Principle Cardinal Virtues: prudence (wisdom), how to cope with life or how to lead a successful life, or how to apply knowledge to practical situations. Cardinal Virtues: Courage Cardinal Virtues: temperance (self-control), “do not” occurs 316 times in the NIV and 139 times in the NAS in the law. 48 of 231 occurrences of obey in the Bible are in the Law. Fruit of the Spirit as virtues.

Normative Ethics: Major Biblical Ethical Theories Teleology Augustine (354– 430) Virtue Ethics Thomas Aquinas (1225– 1274) Virtue Ethics John Duns Scotus (1265 -1308) Divine Command Theory

Scotus’-Biblical Divine Command Theory On what are God’s Lev. 11: 44 -45; 19: 2; God’s commands are command’s based? 20: 7; 20: 26; Mt 5: 48; based on his 1 Pet 1: 16 character. Given this basis of Lev. 11: 44, 45; 19: 2; God’s commands, 20: 7; 20: 26; Mt 5: 48; reflect his character. what do God’s 1 Pet 1: 16 commands reveal? Compare the following verses to see what some of God’s commands reveal about Him. Compare Ex 20: 14 to The command 1 Cor 1: 9 against adultery (Ex 20: 14) is based on and so reveals God’s faithfulness (1 Cor 1: 9).

Scotus’-Biblical Divine Command Theory Compare the Compare Ex 20: 16 to The command following verses to Titus 1: 2; Jn 14: 6; Jn against lying (Ex see what some of 3: 33 20: 16; Col 3: 9 -10) is God’s commands based on God’s reveal about Him. truthfulness and so reveals that he is the truth (Titus 1: 2; Jn 14: 6). Compare the Compare Ex 20: 3 -4 The command to following verses to to 2 Chr 15: 3; Jer worship God alone see what some of 10: 10; Is 43; 11 -12 (Ex 20: 3 -4) is based God’s commands on God’s being the reveal about Him. only true God (2 Chr 15: 3; Jer 10: 10; Is 43: 11 -12). Scotus’ ethics are compatible with virtue ethics and indicate that the role of laws in virtue ethics is to serve as a type of moral exemplar to point to God’s character.

Teleology Naturalism Major Ethical Theories Deontology Act Consequentialism Rule Consequentialism Virtue Ethics Act Non- Consequentialism Rule-Non. Consequentialism Remember, teleological ethics have a philosophical basis that is consistent with the Bible, but the philosophical basis of deontological ethics is biblically inconsistent. Therefore, deontological ethics are not acceptable for believers and cannot be combined with teleological ethics. Believers are best served by holding to some sort of teleological virtue ethic. There are deontological virtues ethics, but these can be studied another time. Craig Vincent Mitchell, Philosophy and Philosophers, Zondervan Charts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), chart 43.

Pick a Position Of the four biblical systems that we have studied, chose the ethical system, that you think best conforms to the Bible. Sit in groups with those that agree with your position. You should try not to change your position as we discuss different ethical issues because that would result in a situational rather than an absolute ethic. As we try the test cases that will follow, try to think through the ethical dilemma from the perspective of your position. If you find fault with your position after we try the test cases, then you may want to change your position. But try to stick with one after this lesson for future discussions.

Method As we study different ethical issues there is a four step process that you should go through in order to reach an ethical conclusion: SITUATION: Define the situation. BIBLE: If holding to deontological ethics, determine which absolutes or Biblical Commands are relevant. If a Virtue Ethicist, determine which virtues apply either by relevance to the situation or as reflected in the biblical commands that apply or what relevant moral examples are in the Bible. CONTRADICTION: Determine if you think there is either a true, apparent, or no contradiction based on your ethical theory. DECISION: Apply the Christian Ethic you have chosen to determine the appropriate action.

Test Cases Test Case #1: Lying and Truth Telling Corry ten Boom “The Hiding Place” - It is World War 2 and being a good Christian you are hiding Jews in your home to ultimately smuggle them out of the country. If your house is searched, it is likely that the Jews will be found and you will be executed along with the Jews. Nazi soldiers that are going door to door in your neighborhood come to your house and ask if you have any Jews inside. How do you reply?

Test Cases Test Case #2: Stealing-Murder It is during the Great Depression of the 1920’s. You are the judge of the court in a small town. A man is brought before you, caught for stealing from a local pharmacy. The man pleads his case: he lost his job, has been out of work for a long time, and has no money – a typical hard case of the times. His four-year-old daughter is sick at home and will die with out the medicine he stole. Due to the times and the relative seclusion of your small town you are not bound by any legal precedents in how you decide the case – basically the decision is up to how you see fit. How do you rule?