Ethics day 6-13

Ethics

the study of morals

what is right and wrong

Metaethics

the study of ethics itself

utilitarianism

that which is useful is what is right/true

Deontological ethics

that which has good intentions is right/true

consequences do not matter

pragmatism

that which is successful is right/ true

rejects absolutes and universals

morality is a social construct

Natural law

people by nature know what is right and wrong

divine command

something is wrong because God/a god has said it

virtue theory

focus on being a good person and right thing actions will follow

Main problem with ethics

the grounding problem

the search for the foundation of moral beliefs

gnosticism

Dualism

Flesh (material/ inherently bad) vs Spirit (good/redeemed)

Denial of the incarnation (Jesus did not come to us in the flesh)

revelation

God’s voluntary self-disclosure

general revelation

God’s voluntary self-disclosure in everything that has been created

special revelation

God’s voluntary self-disclosure in special acts (prophecy, theosophy, miracle) that are redemptive

Characteristics

1. origin is from God Himself

2. It is always self-revelation

3. Its content is God Himself

4. It purpose is God’s glory

(God centered)

innate

there by nature

acquired

gained by reason and reflection

revelational epistemology

knowledge based on God’s revelation

Progressive revelation

God’s gradual and clearer disclosure of Himself

Authority and inherrancy

All the words in the scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve/ disobey any word of scripture would be to disbelieve/ disobey God Himself.

Clarity

The Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help being willing to follow it.

Necessity

Bible necessary to know gospel, maintain spiritual life,, and know God.

Sufficiency

The Bible contains everything need for salvation, trusting God certainty, and obeying Him.

Trinity

God’s one being/ essence existing eternally in three people (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

Equal Ultimacy

God is equally ultimately one as He is three

Anthropomorphism

Language that speaks of God in human terms

Incommunicable Attributes

1. independence

2. Immutability

3. Eternity

4. Omnipresence

Communicable Attributes

1. Holiness (set apart)

2. Omnipotence

3. Sovereignty

4. Omniscience

5. Wisdom

6. Love

7. Wrath

Trancendence

God’s holiness and independence in relation to creation

Immanence

God’s closeness and involvement with his creation

Deism

Impersonal and uninvolved deity

Patheism

everything is divine

Ex nihilo

Out of nothing