Theology
Chapter 4: Making Ethical Decisions
Case Study
Introduction
The Bible and Ethical Decision Making
Unfortunately for Christians, the Bible does not always address an ethical issue as clearly as we might like.
When that is the case, Christians must look to biblical principles and virtues to assist them in making a good choice.
It is not always clear what virtues and principles should be applied to the issue or what virtues and principles should be given the greatest weight.
Secular Principals
Christian Principles
Virtues and Vice per Scripture
Galatians 5
Ephesians 4
Philippians 4:8-9
Colossians 3
2 peter 5
Romans 1
A Model for Making Moral Decisions
A Model for Making Moral Decisions
The first step of the model is to gather the facts.
The two primary questions that need to be asked in order to make an intelligent ethical decision are:
What do we know?
What do we need to know?
The second step is to determine the ethical issues involved in causing the dilemma.
Ethical dilemmas are produced when, in any given situation, one has to choose between two or more competing moral interests.
When thinking about the decision at hand it is valuable to place it in an X versus Y format in order to reflect the competing interests.
The third step requires you to determine what virtues or principles have a bearing on the case.
List the virtues and moral values that are germane to the issue at hand.
The virtues and principles will come from a variety of sources.
The purpose of this step is to help you think through what virtues and principles you think should be satisfied by your decision.
The fourth step of the model is to list the alternative courses of action to resolve the dilemma.
Some alternatives will be immediately ruled out due to the fact that they are immoral!
The fifth step of the model begins to eliminate alternatives.
This is done based on the moral principles relevant to the case.
At this point, it may be the case that a clear decision can be made due to the fact that all alternatives, but one have been ruled out.
Weighing of values and virtues may be required.
The sixth step of the model is required when a resolution to the dilemma is not produced at the fifth stage.
If virtues and values do make the decision clear, then one needs to consider the consequences.
The option most beneficial and causing the least amount of harm needs to be given serious consideration.
7th Step Theological Reflection
The 8th step of the model brings the process to a close.
A decision is made and acted upon.
In all likelihood the decision will still be a difficult one despite using the model.
The final decision will probably involve some negative consequences.
Where is and was God in all of that?
Case Study