Criticisms of Christian Ethics

Overview

Recall questions on the fallibility of conscience, secular objections to divine command theory, and utilitarian and feminist critiques.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What secular critiques challenge divine command theory?

   Model answer

   Critics argue that grounding morality in God's commands makes ethics arbitrary (Euthyphro dilemma) or inaccessible to non-believers.

2. 2

   How do utilitarians challenge absolute moral rules in Christianity?

   Model answer

   Utilitarians argue that rigid rules may produce worse outcomes than flexible approaches that maximise overall happiness.

3. 3

   What feminist critiques are made of Christian ethics?

   Model answer

   Feminists critique patriarchal structures in Christian ethics, arguing they have been used to subordinate women and ignore their moral experience.

4. 4

   How do relativists challenge Christian moral absolutes?

   Model answer

   Relativists argue that moral truths vary across cultures and contexts, denying the universal moral claims Christianity makes.

5. 5

   How does natural law show convergence between Christian ethics and reason?

   Model answer

   Natural law holds that moral truths are accessible through reason, allowing agreement between Christian ethics and rational secular approaches.

6. 6

   In what ways is virtue ethics compatible with Christian ethics?

   Model answer

   Both emphasise character formation, the development of good habits, and the pursuit of human flourishing as central to moral life.

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