Making moral decisions...

Christians are human, and just like everyone else in the world, face making difficult decisions in their lives. To help them, they use the teachings in the Bible as guidance, listen to what their church teaches, and also follow their conscience.

Depending on their denomination, some Christians have set views on big moral issues. For example, the Roman Catholic church does not permit divorce and is against abortion and euthanasia. Therefore, many Roman Catholics have very strict views around these issues and won't permit them.

However, some Christians believe that moral decisions should be made depending on the situation, NOT on a set of rules or moral absolutes.

What is Situation Ethics?

Situation ethics was developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963. It has its roots in Jesus' teaching around agape love and his call to 'love your neighbour as yourself.' Mark 12:32

Fletcher was looking for a middle road between an absolute moral approach which had a set of rules that must be obeyed, and the opposite extreme, where people just do what they want.

Situation ethics asks: What is the kindest and most loving thing to do in this situation?

Application

When applying situation ethics to moral decisions, biblical and Church teachings will be considered, however, ultimately, a decision may be made outside of these based on what is believed to be the kindest and most loving thing to do in the situation.

For example, all Christians believe that stealing is wrong. However, if a wicked dictator had five nuclear bombs and was threatening to destroy the world, it would be acceptable to steal them from him.

A terminally ill person, who has a very poor quality of life, may ask for assistance to commit suicide. The Bible is clear that taking life is wrong, as are Church teachings, however, some might argue that it is the quality of life that counts not the quantity and that the person has been given free will to make their own choices. They might also argue that, if a person is in agonising pain, then the kindest, most loving thing to do might be to grant their wish rather than make them suffer for another few months.

Strengths of Situation Ethics

• Follows the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love.
• Allows Christians to make really hard decisions.
• Offers a way to resolve conflict.

Weaknesses

• Doesn't allow for atheists and those of other faiths, who may not agree with the teachings of Jesus.
• The meaning of 'loving' can vary between people, so it may lead to disagreements about what to do.
• Different interpretations could allow for almost any action.
• Making decisions based on love can be unreliable: nobody knows what the future consequences will be.