CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Ethics deals with what is morally right and wrong. Christian ethics deals with what is morally
right and wrong for a Christian.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Christian ethics forms a unique and vital part of the Christian faith. It is not simply a system
of good behaviour but a way of life rooted in God’s nature, will, and revelation. Christian
ethics offers guidance on how believers should live, what they should value, and how they
should respond to God and others. To better understand Christian ethics, it is important to
explore several key characteristics: that it is based on God’s will, is absolute, is based on
God’s revelation, is prescriptive, and combines both deontological and teleological elements.

i) Christian Ethics is based on God's Will

At its core, Christian ethics is grounded in the will of God. Christians believe that morality is
not a human invention but is derived directly from God’s character and desires for humanity.
This means that what is right or wrong is determined by God's commands and nature, not by
popular opinion or personal feelings. God's will is revealed through Scripture and fully
expressed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. For Christians, obeying God's will is
not an option but a responsibility, because it reflects a relationship of love and trust between
God and humanity.

ii) Christian Ethics is Absolute

Christian ethics holds that moral truths are absolute — they apply at all times, in all places,
and to all people. Right and wrong are not relative or subject to change based on
circumstances or cultures. For example, the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus
20:13) is seen as eternally valid, not something that depends on the situation. The belief in
absolute moral standards provides stability and clarity for Christian living, guiding believers
in a world where values often shift. This absoluteness reflects the unchanging nature of God,
who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

iii) Christian Ethics is based on God's Revelation

Christian ethics is not based on human reasoning alone but on God's revelation. God has
made His will know through the Bible, the teachings of the prophets, the life of Jesus, and the
inner work of the Holy Spirit. Revelation provides Christians with a clear moral guide that
goes beyond human wisdom. Without God’s revelation, people could only guess at what is
right or wrong. But because God has spoken, Christians can be confident about their moral
duties. This revelation not only tells believers what to do but also reveals God's character —
loving, just, merciful — qualities that Christians are called to reflect.

iv) Christian Ethics is Prescriptive

Christian ethics is prescriptive, meaning it tells people how they ought to behave, not merely
how they do behave. It is concerned with prescribing right actions, virtues, and attitudes
rather than simply describing human behaviour. Christian ethics provides clear commands,
such as "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44) and "Forgive one another" (Ephesians 4:32). It
does not simply leave people to decide for themselves but sets out moral obligations that
must be followed. Prescriptive ethics is important because it shows that morality is about
active obedience to God's commands, not passive acceptance of human tendencies.

v) Christian Ethics is Both Deontological and Teleological

Christian ethics blends two important approaches: deontological (duty-based) and

teleological (goal-based).

 Deontological ethics focuses on duty and obedience to moral laws. Christians are
called to do what is right simply because it is commanded by God, regardless of the
consequences. For example, telling the truth is right because God commands honesty,
even if lying would seem to bring an easier solution.
 Teleological ethics focuses on the ultimate purpose or goal — in Christian terms, the
goal of becoming more like Christ and attaining eternal life with God. Actions are
evaluated not only by whether they obey God's law but also by whether they promote
the Kingdom of God and human flourishing.

In Christianity, both duty and goal are connected: believers obey God's laws (deontology)
because doing so leads them towards the fulfilment of God's ultimate plan for humanity
(teleology). This combination helps Christians live faithfully and purposefully

In conclusion, Christian ethics is a rich, coherent system rooted in God’s will, revelation, and
character. It offers absolute moral standards, prescribes clear duties, and balances obedience
to God's laws with the goal of achieving God’s purposes for creation. Understanding these
characteristics helps believers navigate ethical challenges with confidence, knowing that they
are not relying on human wisdom alone but on the eternal, loving guidance of God.

MORAL REASONING ACCORDING TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Moral reasoning is the process by which people determine what is right and wrong. In
Christian ethics, moral reasoning is based on God's revelation, not just human thought.
Christians use the Bible, especially the Old Testament and New Testament, to guide their
decisions about how to live morally.

Christian moral reasoning has developed across history, but its foundation remains the same:
obedience to God, love for others, and living according to God’s will.

Let’s look at how moral reasoning appears in the Old Testament and New Testament.

1. Moral Reasoning in Old Testament Ethics

In the Old Testament, moral reasoning is deeply connected to God’s covenant relationship
with His people (especially Israel).
Key Points:

 Law-Based Ethics:
Much of the Old Testament ethics is cantered on following God’s Law (the Torah).
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are the most famous example. People were
expected to obey detailed laws about worship, social justice, personal behavior, and
community life.
 Obedience to God's Commands:
Moral reasoning was simple: if God commands something, it is right; if He forbids it,
it is wrong. People reasoned morally by asking, "What has God commanded?"
 Covenant Relationship:
Israel’s moral behaviour was based on the covenant (special agreement) God made
with them. Obeying God's laws showed loyalty and love toward Him.
 Role of Prophets:
Prophets (like Isaiah, Amos, and Micah) challenged the people when they obeyed the
rituals but neglected justice, mercy, and humility. They reminded people that real
morality was not just about sacrifices but also about treating others rightly.
 Examples:
o Care for the poor, widows, and orphans (Deuteronomy 24:17-22).
o Justice and righteousness were considered more important than ritual
sacrifices (Amos 5:21-24).

Summary:

Old Testament moral reasoning was primarily law-cantered, obedience-driven, and

community-focused, under God's revealed covenant.

Ethical Monotheism and Wisdom Literature in Old Testament Ethics

-What is Ethical Monotheism?

 Ethical monotheism means the belief that there is only one true God who is also
the source of all moral law.
 In the Old Testament, this idea is very important:
o God is not just a powerful being, but the only God, and He commands moral
living.
o Right and wrong are not decided by kings, priests, or society — they come
directly from God’s character.
o Example: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) show that worshiping God
and living rightly (not killing, stealing, lying) are deeply connected.

In Old Testament Ethics, ethical monotheism mainly falls under the part of:

 Law-Based Ethics (especially in the Torah — first five books: Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
 It shapes how Israel is supposed to live — worship the one true God and act justly
because God's nature demands it.

Main Idea:
Because there is only one God, there is also one moral standard that all people must follow.

What is Wisdom Literature?

 Wisdom literature refers to the parts of the Old Testament that focus on practical
moral living and understanding life’s complexities.
 Instead of giving strict laws, it offers wise advice, proverbs, and deep reflections on
life, suffering, justice, and the fear of God.
 Books usually considered Wisdom Literature are:
o Proverbs (practical advice about right living)
o Job (dealing with suffering and divine justice)
o Ecclesiastes (reflecting on the meaning of life)
o Some Psalms (especially the wisdom psalms like Psalm 1 and Psalm 119)

In Old Testament Ethics, wisdom literature falls under:

 Reflective Ethics — it invites people to think and reason about how to live wisely
under God's rule, rather than just obeying laws.
 It emphasizes that living wisely and morally leads to a blessed life, while foolishness
leads to destruction.

Main Idea:

Wisdom teaches that a moral life is not just about following rules, but about understanding
God’s ways and living thoughtfully in a complex world.

Quick Summary Table

Concept Description Part of OT Ethics

Ethical One God who gives moral laws; right Law-Based Ethics (Torah and
Monotheism and wrong come from Him Prophets)

Wisdom Practical advice and reflection on Reflective/Practical Ethics

Literature moral living (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes)

In Short:

 Ethical Monotheism teaches who gives moral laws (the one true God).
 Wisdom Literature teaches how to live wisely and morally in everyday life.

Both are very important parts of Old Testament ethics, but they work differently:

 Ethical monotheism is command-driven (obey God).

 Wisdom literature is advice-driven (live wisely under God's guidance).
2. MORAL REASONING ACCORDIG TO THE NEW TESTAMENT.

When we move from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the ethical thinking changes
in some ways but still builds on the old foundation.
Key points stay the same:

 There is one God (monotheism continues!).

 God's character still defines right and wrong.
 But now, Jesus Christ becomes the centre of how Christians understand and live out
morality.

Diving into Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, focusing on the Sermon on the
Mount, the Beatitudes, the fulfilment of the Law, love for enemies, the Golden Rule, and
theological themes such as universal application.

1. The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous collections of Jesus' teachings. It's
found in Matthew 5-7. In this sermon, Jesus teaches about the true nature of righteousness,
the Kingdom of God, and how His followers should live.

Summary:

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes (which we'll cover next) and then
goes on to give practical teachings on topics such as anger, lust, marriage, oaths, retaliation,
and love. Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that goes beyond the
outward actions to the heart's motivations.

Detailed Notes:

 Jesus redefines righteousness: The righteousness He talks about is not just about
following laws but about a transformation of the heart. For example, He says that
anger is akin to murder, and lust is like adultery (Matthew 5:21-30). He challenges
people to live out of love and integrity, not merely outward behavior.
 The Kingdom of God: Jesus often speaks of the "Kingdom of God" in the sermon.
This kingdom is not just a future reality but something that is to be lived out now.
Followers of Jesus are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
 Righteousness beyond the Pharisees: Jesus calls His followers to exceed the
righteousness of the Pharisees, who were known for their strict obedience to the law
but often lacked true heart transformation (Matthew 5:20).

2. The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are a set of statements where Jesus blesses those who
experience certain hardships or have particular virtues. They outline what the Kingdom of
God values, which often goes against worldly standards.
Summary:

The Beatitudes are radical blessings that turn conventional wisdom upside down. Instead of
praising the wealthy, powerful, or self-sufficient, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek,
the merciful, the pure in heart, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
These values emphasize humility, dependence on God, and compassion.

Detailed Notes:

 Spiritual Poverty: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of
Heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Jesus values humility, acknowledging one's spiritual need
before God.
 Meekness: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
Meekness here refers to gentleness and humility, not weakness.
 Persecution for Righteousness: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Jesus assures
those who suffer for doing what is right that they are blessed, emphasizing the value
of standing firm in faith even under opposition.

3. Fulfilment of the Law

Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law of Moses (the Torah) but to fulfil it
(Matthew 5:17). This fulfilment is about bringing the law to its full meaning and completing
its purpose.

Summary:

Jesus teaches that He fulfils the Law by perfectly obeying it and showing its true intent. The
law was never just about outward actions but about love for God and others. Jesus
emphasizes that He came to bring people into a relationship with God, not merely to follow
external rules.

Detailed Notes:

 Perfect Obedience: Jesus lived a sinless life and obeyed every part of the law,
fulfilling its demands. Through His obedience, He demonstrated the depth of God’s
law.
 The Law's Full Meaning: Jesus reveals that the law’s purpose is not just to regulate
behavior but to transform hearts. For example, He interprets "Do not murder" as "Do
not be angry with your brother" (Matthew 5:21-22), showing that the law points to
heart-level transformation.
 Jesus as the Fulfillment: Jesus' death and resurrection fulfill the sacrificial system
and the need for atonement. Through Him, God's law is written on believers' hearts,
not just on stone tablets.
4. Love for Enemies

One of the most radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ command to love
your enemies. This teaching is counter-cultural, as it goes against human instinct for revenge
or hatred.

Summary:

Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them
(Matthew 5:44). This love is not based on how others treat you but on a deeper, God-centered
love that mirrors God's love for us.

Detailed Notes:

 A Radical Love: Loving enemies was revolutionary because the Jewish law allowed
for revenge (an eye for an eye), but Jesus commands unconditional love, even for
those who harm us (Matthew 5:38-42).
 Reflecting God's Love: Jesus calls us to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is
perfect (Matthew 5:48). This perfection is about reflecting God's character in how we
love and treat others, especially those who don’t treat us well.

5. The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is another important teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).

Summary:

The Golden Rule is a simple yet powerful ethical principle: treat others the way you want to
be treated. It applies to all relationships, emphasizing empathy and respect for others.

Detailed Notes:

 A Guiding Principle: The Golden Rule summarizes how to live ethically and relates
directly to the command to love others.
 Empathy in Action: It’s about considering how you would feel in the other person’s
situation and acting in love, respect, and kindness.
 Universal Application: The rule applies to everyone — not just those who treat you
well, but even to those who might be difficult or hostile.

6. Theological Themes and Universal Application

Jesus' teachings emphasize theological themes such as the nature of the Kingdom of God,
the need for heart transformation, and the call to live in a way that reflects God's love and
holiness.
Summary:

The New Testament teachings of Jesus are universal in that they apply to everyone, not just
Jews or religious elites. The Kingdom of God is open to all who follow Jesus' way, which is
rooted in love, humility, and righteousness.

Detailed Notes:

 The Kingdom of God: Jesus invites people into a new way of living under God’s
rule, where love, justice, and mercy reign. This kingdom is not just a future hope but a
present reality for those who live by God’s principles (Matthew 5:3-12).
 Heart-Level Transformation: Jesus teaches that true morality is about inner change,
not just outward actions. For example, it’s not enough to avoid murder; we must also
overcome anger (Matthew 5:21-22).
 Universal Application: Jesus’ teachings are not limited to a certain group of people.
The universal message is that all people are invited to live in the Kingdom of God,
which involves loving God, loving others, and living in righteousness.

Summary

The Sermon on the Mount is a radical, transformative teaching by Jesus. Key aspects
include:

 The Beatitudes: Blessings for the humble, merciful, and those who suffer for
righteousness.
 Fulfilment of the Law: Jesus comes to fulfil the law and show its true meaning —
righteousness from the heart.
 Love for Enemies: A call to love even those who hate you, reflecting God’s love.
 The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated.
 Theological Themes: The Kingdom of God, heart transformation, and universal
application of love and righteousness.

These teachings offer a blueprint for living out Christian ethics, focusing on inner
transformation, love, and obedience to God’s will in every aspect of life.

Of course! Let’s go through each view of ethics clearly, both with summaries and detailed
explanations (as you asked — in a style that would work for essays).

Various Views of Ethics

These ethical views answer the question:

"How should we act when moral rules seem to clash, or when it’s unclear what the right
action is?"

Each view has a different way of handling moral rules (or whether rules matter at all).
1. Antinomianism

Summary:

Antinomianism literally means "against law."

It teaches that there are no absolute moral laws — people are free to do whatever they
believe is right in each situation.

Detailed Notes:

 No fixed rules: Antinomians believe that moral decisions should not be limited by
fixed rules or laws.
 Freedom from law: Some religious antinomians argue that Christians are "free from
the law" because of God's grace.
 Problem: It can lead to moral chaos — if there are no rules, how do we know what is
right or wrong?
 Example: Someone might say, "I will steal if I think it's right for me at this time."

In Essay Style:

Antinomianism rejects the idea of binding moral laws, instead proposing that individuals
must decide what is right based on personal conviction or momentary guidance. While it
emphasizes freedom and individuality, it risks leading to subjective morality where any
action can be justified based on personal feelings, undermining social order and objective
ethics.

2. Situationism (Situational Ethics)

Summary:

Situationism teaches that only one moral law is absolute: the law of love.
All other rules are flexible depending on what the most loving action would be in a situation.

Detailed Notes:

 One rule: love: Joseph Fletcher, who popularized this view, said that the only
absolute is agape love (selfless love).
 Context matters: Moral decisions depend on the situation, and the "right" choice is
whatever brings the most loving outcome.
 Example: Lying is normally wrong, but lying to protect a life (such as hiding Jews
during Nazi Germany) would be loving — therefore, lying would be morally right in
that case.
 Criticism: Without boundaries, "love" could be used to justify anything.

In Essay Style:

Situational ethics maintains that the only absolute moral command is to act in love. All other
traditional moral laws are secondary and can be set aside if love demands it. This approach
prioritizes compassion and human need but can lead to subjective and unpredictable ethical
judgments if not carefully grounded in true love rather than personal convenience.

3. Generalism

Summary:

Generalism says there are general moral laws (e.g., lying is wrong), but sometimes it is
okay to break them if a greater good is achieved.

Detailed Notes:

 Rules are guides, not absolutes: Rules are important but flexible.
 Weigh consequences: When two duties conflict, choose the action that causes the
least harm or brings the most good.
 Example: It is generally wrong to kill, but killing in self-defense might be seen as
justified to protect innocent life.
 Criticism: It risks watering down moral commands by allowing too many
exceptions.

In Essay Style:

Generalism respects traditional moral principles but recognizes that exceptions must be made
in complex, real-world scenarios. Ethical laws serve as important guides but are not absolute.
Generalists rely on weighing probable outcomes to choose the best course of action, yet their
approach is sometimes criticized for being too pragmatic and compromising the seriousness
of moral duties.

4. Conflicting Absolutism

Summary:

Conflicting absolutism teaches that there are absolute moral laws, but sometimes these
laws clash — and in such cases, no matter what you do, you will sin.

Detailed Notes:

 Real moral conflicts: You can face situations where you must break a moral law no
matter what.
 Choose the lesser evil: When two absolute duties conflict (like telling the truth vs.
protecting a life), you must choose the lesser sin but still seek forgiveness afterward.
 Example: If hiding a refugee, lying to protect them is the lesser evil, but lying
remains a sin.
 Criticism: Hard for some to accept that doing the "right" thing could still be sinful.

In Essay Style:

Conflicting absolutism upholds the existence of binding moral laws while recognizing that in
a fallen world, tragic moral conflicts are inevitable. When absolutes clash, individuals must
choose the lesser evil and acknowledge their guilt, relying on God's grace for forgiveness.
While realistic about human experience, this view can lead to deep moral guilt and tension,
even when acting with right intentions.

5. Graded Absolutism (Hierarchicalism)

Summary:

Graded absolutism also says that moral laws are absolute, but some laws are higher than
others.
When laws conflict, you are supposed to follow the higher law without sinning.

Detailed Notes:

 Moral hierarchy: Some moral duties are more important than others.
 No guilt for choosing the higher good: Choosing the higher law means no sin is
committed.
 Example: Saving a life (higher law) is more important than telling the truth (lower
law), so lying to save a life would not be sinful.
 Support: This fits many biblical examples where love and mercy are prioritized over
ritual rules.

In Essay Style:

Graded absolutism preserves the absoluteness of moral laws while introducing a hierarchy
among them. In cases of moral conflict, individuals must obey the greater moral obligation
without guilt or sin. This approach provides a structured and biblically sound method for
navigating difficult ethical decisions, affirming both the authority of divine law and the
priority of love and justice.

6. Unqualified Absolutism

Summary:

Unqualified absolutism says that all moral laws are absolute and never conflict.
You must always obey every moral law without exceptions, trusting that God will honor
your obedience.

Detailed Notes:

 No real conflicts: True moral laws never actually clash — apparent conflicts come
from misunderstanding.
 Obey no matter the consequences: Even if obeying leads to suffering or death, you
must stay faithful.
 Example: If asked by authorities where hidden refugees are, you must still tell the
truth, trusting God to protect them.
 Criticism: This view can seem harsh and unrealistic in complex situations.
In Essay Style:

Unqualified absolutism holds that moral laws are universal, binding, and non-negotiable.
Believers are called to absolute obedience, trusting in God's sovereignty to bring about a
good outcome even when human logic suggests otherwise. While it promotes strong moral
integrity, critics argue that it may be impractical or even harmful in real-world crises.

Summary Chart

View Main Idea Pros Cons

Moral chaos, no
Antinomianism No rules at all Complete freedom
standard

Flexible, focuses on Subjective, can justify

Situationism Only love is absolute
compassion wrong actions

General rules but allow Realistic, balances Weakens moral

Generalism
exceptions rules and outcomes authority

Conflicting Absolute laws can Honest about moral Leads to guilt even
Absolutism clash, choose lesser evil struggle when doing "right"

Graded Absolute laws but Structured, prioritizes Some see it as

Absolutism ranked in priority love and mercy "ranking" sins

Unqualified Always obey every law, Strong moral Unrealistic in real

Absolutism no exceptions consistency crises

Final Overview

 Some views reject rules (antinomianism, situationism).

 Some views modify rules (generalism).
 Some views believe in absolute rules but handle conflicts differently (conflicting,
graded, unqualified absolutism).

Each view tries to answer:

What do you do when morality seems messy?

Diagrams and memory aids (mnemonics) to help you quickly remember the six views of
ethics.

🎯 Quick Diagram: 6 Views of Ethics

ETHICAL VIEWS:

1. No Rules ➔ Antinomianism
2. One Rule (Love) ➔ Situationism
3. General Rules (Flexible) ➔ Generalism
4. Absolute Rules (Conflict = Lesser Evil) ➔ Conflicting Absolutism
5. Absolute Rules (Ranked Higher/Lower) ➔ Graded Absolutism
6. Absolute Rules (Never Conflict) ➔ Unqualified Absolutism

🧠 Memory Aid (Mnemonic)

Let's use the first letters:

ASGCGU

You can remember it with this silly sentence:

"All Silly Goats Can Go Up."

Each word stands for:

 A = Antinomianism
 S = Situationism
 G = Generalism
 C = Conflicting Absolutism
 G = Graded Absolutism
 U = Unqualified Absolutism

🎨 Even Simpler Visual: "Traffic Light" of

Rules
Color Represents Which View?
🔴 Red Light No rules (chaos) Antinomianism
� Yellow Light One flexible rule (love) Situationism
� Orange Light General rules (but sometimes stop) Generalism
🔵 Blue Light Two roads collide (conflict of absolutes) Conflicting Absolutism
 Color Represents Which View?
� Purple Light Choose higher road (higher absolute) Graded Absolutism
� Green Light Always go — no conflicts Unqualified Absolutism

This colour idea helps you remember that:

 Red/yellow/orange are flexible.

 Blue/purple/green are strict about moral laws.

📝 Super-Short Flash Summary

View Flash Summary
Antinomianism No rules at all
Situationism Only rule: Love
Generalism General rules, sometimes flexible
Conflicting Absolutism Rules clash, lesser evil
Graded Absolutism Rules have ranks (higher/lower)
Unqualified Absolutism Rules never clash

⭐ Final Tip:
If you want to memorize main ideas fast, try 5-minute drills:

 Look at the name ➔ Recall the definition.

 Look at the definition ➔ Recall the name.
 Then quickly sketch the Traffic Light colors in your notebook from memory.

Would you also like me to give you a few exam-style sample questions or short-answer
practice based on these views? 🔥
(They can help you test your understanding easily!)

Awesome — let's dive in!

I'll give you exam-style sample questions (like short answer or quick explanation) with
model answers already provided so you can practice + revise quickly.
🎯 Sample Exam Questions with Answers

Question 1

Define Antinomianism and explain its main weakness.

Answer:
Antinomianism teaches that there are no binding moral laws. People are free to act as they
see fit without obeying universal rules.
Its main weakness is that it leads to moral chaos, where no action can truly be called right or
wrong.

Question 2

In one sentence, summarize Situationism.

Answer:
Situationism says that love is the only absolute law, and every moral decision should be
based on what is the most loving thing to do in the situation.

Question 3

What is the main difference between Conflicting Absolutism and Graded Absolutism?

Answer:
Conflicting Absolutism teaches that when two moral laws clash, you must choose the lesser
evil but still sin, while Graded Absolutism says you must choose the higher moral law and no
sin is committed.

Question 4

Which view says that moral rules are like guidelines but can sometimes be broken for a
greater good?

Answer:
Generalism.

Question 5

Explain Unqualified Absolutism with an example.

Answer:
Unqualified Absolutism holds that moral laws never conflict and must always be obeyed
without exception.
Example: Even if telling the truth would lead to someone's death, a Christian must still tell
the truth, trusting God for the outcome.

Question 6

Match the following ethics views to their key words:

View Key Word

Antinomianism No rules

Situationism Love

Generalism Flexible rules

Conflicting Absolutism Lesser evil

Graded Absolutism Higher law

Unqualified Absolutism No conflict

Question 7

Which view would most agree with this statement?

"Love is the only law."

Answer:
Situationism.

Question 8

True or False:
"According to Generalism, lying is always absolutely wrong."

Answer:
False.
Generalism allows breaking general rules like "do not lie" if a greater good is served.
Question 9

Fill in the Blank:

Graded Absolutism teaches that when moral rules conflict, you should obey the ________
law.

Answer:
Higher.

Question 10

Short Essay (4–5 sentences):

Briefly explain how Graded Absolutism handles moral conflicts differently from
Conflicting Absolutism.

Answer:
Graded Absolutism teaches that moral laws are absolute but ranked, so when laws conflict,
you obey the higher law without committing sin.
Conflicting Absolutism, however, believes that even choosing the lesser evil results in sin,
and the person must seek forgiveness.
Graded Absolutism is more optimistic, seeing no guilt when choosing rightly, while
Conflicting Absolutism expects guilt but encourages relying on grace.
Both recognize real moral struggles but resolve them differently.

📚 Quick Review Before Exams

 Antinomianism = No rules at all.
 Situationism = Only law is love.
 Generalism = General rules, flexible if needed.
 Conflicting Absolutism = Absolute rules clash, choose lesser evil, still sin.
 Graded Absolutism = Absolute rules ranked, choose higher law, no sin.
 Unqualified Absolutism = Absolute rules never clash, always obey.

Great! Let’s do a quick table of "Best Bible Examples" for each view of ethics.
This will help you link each view to Scripture, which is very important for exams and
essays.

📖 Bible Examples for Each Ethical View

 View Key Bible Example Explanation
Paul warns against thinking grace
Romans 6:1-2 ("Shall we go on
means "no rules" —
Antinomianism sinning so that grace may increase? By
Antinomianism was a danger
no means!")
even in early church.
Matthew 22:37-40 ("Love God... Love
Jesus says love sums up all law
your neighbor... All the Law and
Situationism — supporting Situation Ethics
Prophets hang on these two
focus on love.
commandments.")
They broke the rule "do not lie"
Exodus 1:15-21 (Hebrew midwives
Generalism for a greater good (saving lives).
lied to Pharaoh to save babies)
God rewarded them.
Paul speaks of the inner moral
Conflicting Romans 7:14-25 ("What I want to do I
conflict where even right choices
Absolutism do not do...")
still involve a struggle with sin.
Jesus says mercy is more
Graded Matthew 12:1-8 (Jesus' disciples pick
important than Sabbath laws —
Absolutism grain on Sabbath)
shows a hierarchy of laws.
They obeyed God's command
Unqualified Daniel 3 (Shadrach, Meshach, and absolutely, even when it risked
Absolutism Abednego refuse to bow to idol) death — trusted God without
compromise.

✍🧠 Short Memory Summary

View Bible Passage Key Point
Antinomianism Romans 6:1-2 Grace ≠ lawlessness
Situationism Matthew 22:37-40 Love sums up all laws
Generalism Exodus 1:15-21 Saving life > strict truth
Conflicting Absolutism Romans 7:14-25 Moral conflict and struggle
Graded Absolutism Matthew 12:1-8 Mercy over ritual law
Unqualified Absolutism Daniel 3 Absolute obedience without fear

🧠 Tips to Remember
 Romans 6 ➔ Antinomianism warning
 Matthew 22 ➔ Situationism (Love law)
 Exodus 1 ➔ Generalism (Midwives lied for life)
 Romans 7 ➔ Conflicting Absolutism (struggle inside)
 Matthew 12 ➔ Graded Absolutism (mercy > law)
 Daniel 3 ➔ Unqualified Absolutism (faithfulness to death)