Natural Moral Law is a theory that is explained by Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle. It states that there is a natural order to our world that should be followed. It was originated in the philosophy of Aristotle and then developed by Aquinas. Natural Law is an absolute theory of ethics but it is not rooted in duty but in our human nature and our search for genuine happiness and fulfilment. Aquinas considered that by using our reason to reflect on our human nature we could discover our specific end purpose.
are strongly in-line with Natural Law. Many Christians adopt deontological positions and think we should act according to God's design or purpose for our lives. They may be less influenced by Aquinas in this, and Protestants tend to be less sure about moral absolutes. However, there is still a strong sense of following rules within most Christian denominations. Aquinas said: “Consequently, law must needs concern itself mainly with the order that is in beatitude.” From this we can see that the Bible played a big part in the development of Natural Law; this proves that Christians make moral decisions through a multiple of different ways.
This ethical theory aligns itself with a Christian worldview, arguing that an action is good only if the principle behind the action is moral law (Giersson and Holmgren, 2000). In other words, actions should only be done in accordance with God’s will. For instance, clearly stating how outliers are addressed when drawing conclusions based on the statistical analysis is ethical in that it is the right thing to do so that the probability of misinterpretation is minimized. Additionally, Kantian ethics also require autonomy, which is often required in relationship to dealing with clients and the subjects from whom data is collected (Tittle, 2000). Again, this ties back to the Christian worldview of loving ones neighbor.
Theory Critique - Crabb and Hawkins Rose Monk COUN 507 Liberty University Dr. Hunter November 3, 2013 Concise Summary of Theories Larry Crabb’s model for Christian counselors is based on Christian values and includes secular principles that are consistent with Scripture. Plain and simple this theory works to create a receptive mind for the truth. Ultimately, the idea behind this model is to work on the thought process, and in altering the way the mind thinks, this will motivate correct actions to reach the client goal. By identifying the problems in feelings, behaviors and thinking, this model not only works to change the way clients think, yet their belief of needing anything other than God. Understanding the basics of
BUSI520: Integration of Faith and Learning: Character Jennifer L. Johnson Liberty University Dr. Coleen James August 23, 2014 One of the virtues that can be found within the pages of the Bible is that of having a firm, yet godly character. When one examines a business, it should also have a firm character. Romans 12:2 is a verse that supports this point. “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Paul was speaking about how as Christians, we should not strive to follow the mold of society, but rather follow the will of the Lord.
Even in contemporary society, we tend to associate morality with some kind of divine will, but through the Euthyphro, Socrates seems to suggesting we think along another line altogether. Is something moral because God commands it? Does morality depend on religious belief? A common view among religious, and even some secular, philosophers is that just as conventional laws require lawmakers, morals also require some ultimate source. The Divine Command Theory is the view that moral actions are those that conform to God's will.
The theory of natural law is an absolutist theory, unlike others it is not rooted in duty or external law; it is within our human nature and our search for fulfilment and happiness. This is the same in all cultures and religions and it does not change to include circumstances or take into account relative situations. This idea of a natural law was first developed by the stoics and Aristotle. The stoics believed that, in every human being there is a divine spark which guides and helps us to live in the way god wants, they also say that we have a choice of whether to obey the laws which govern the universe, however we have to use our reason to understand whether we should obey the laws. The stoics also said that we should try to fit into the overall plan of the universe by finding our place or duty among society.
Wisdom – is not just good practical judgment or common sense or a high degree of knowledge. The wisdom that is of the Spirit is centered on Jesus. It is concerned with the best way to live. It is God's guidance on how to live as a Christian. (Mark 10:20, 1Cor 12‐14, Luke 18:22) B.
PART A) Outline the key features of Natural Moral Law Natural Moral Law is a deontological ethical theory derived from the Greek word ‘deon’ meaning duty and therefore is concerned with the intent of the action rather than its consequences, as teleological theories do. It is accessible to all through either ‘natural order or understanding and following Gods final purpose’, (cited by Mel Thompson) by which God is viewed as the supreme regulator. The theory was espoused by Aristotle, who maintained that humans were created with the ability to reason, hence follow an intended telos (purpose). A key feature is that it is concerned with absolute morality as the rules must be adhered to ‘just as a fire burns here and in Persia’ – Aristotle. The idea is a pre-Christian idea, put forward by Aristotle who believed that each action should be followed in its aim to reach eudemonia, being a key feature of the theory and a state of human flourishing.
Christian love essentially unites persons with the ontological good – originated from God – and transforms the self to be concerned both for oneself and the good of others on the level of identity. This article presents a more subtle critical analysis of self-interest – an sich a-moral - while it proposes self-love not only as a necessary condition to undertake genuine morality but also as a guarantee for the moderation of self-interest. KEY WORDS: Agape, love, self, self-interest, selfishness, self-love. Introduction In most ethical discourses, one may observe confusion between an act of selfishness, self-interest, and self-love. Some seem to intentionally mystify their meaning while others inadvertently employ them interchangeably to explain one’s act in relation to oneself.