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.
(Stassen, Yeager, & Yoder, 1996, p. 10) Module 4 consists of a clear presentation of the teleological ethical perspective of Niebuhr, as well as his classical typology (and examples from church history) of distinct responses to the enduring problem of how Christians can or should live in a fallen world. This is followed by a thorough analysis and critique of Niehbuhr's model by John Howard Yoder. The Basics of Christ and Culture Briefly, Niebuhr's five types of Christian ethics as noted by Stassen et al. (1996) include the following: · New Law (Christ Against Culture) portrays Christians as a totally new kind of people living by totally new ethical standards at odds with all foundational aspects of worldly cultures. · Natural Law (Christ of Culture) portrays Christians as seeking to accommodate the ethics and values of the Gospel to bring out the very best in existing but imperfect cultures.
A Study of Godly Ethics The Principles of a Biblical Worldview The Bible establishes the guidelines of God's ethical boundaries for all Christ followers. On some issues, God's Word speaks explicitly; however, there is less clarity in other matters and more need for discernment. As Christians learn, accept, and live the reality of Christ, they move towards a life of godliness.1 Through this process, Christians can begin to discern more clearly and live out a biblical worldview.2 Christ followers should be characterized by truth.3 If they are to be characterize by truth, what truth is must be interpreted. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” God has expressed Himself through Scripture; His Word is true, reliable, eternal, and the sacred authority.4 The Bible is the very word of God and should be the starting point for all thinking.5 Jesus also said that He is the truth.6 Jesus exemplifies wisdom and knowledge.7 God loves His creation enough to tell them how to live and promises to give understanding to those who seek Him.8 The root of man's dilemma often comes from not seeking God or misinterpreting the nature of God's truth.9 “The reason so few people act like Christians is that they do not think like Christians.”10 How then does one begin to think like a Christian? Christianity should be seen as the outline for godly decision making and a strategy for daily living.11 The Word of God has the final jurisdiction and is pertinent for the choices that Christians must make, many of which have moral consequences.
Paul's gospel is deeply theological, but it is also eminently practical. The Good News of Jesus Christ is intended to transform a person's life. Until individual Christians own and live out the theology, the gospel has not accomplished its purpose. Paul has briefly touched on the practical significance of what he writes throughout Romans 1-11. But beginning in chapter 12 Paul turns his full attention on the ethical implications of the gospel.” (393) The process of sanctification is constant.
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. At times, this can be difficult for a Christian business owner, yet the rewards for the Lord will outweigh the financial gains from following society. Kotler and Keller explain that one area of marketing that Romans 12:2 applies to is that of social responsibility marketing. “Because the effects of marketing extend beyond the company and the customer to society as a whole, marketers must consider the ethical, environmental, legal, and social context of their roles and activities” (Kotler and Keller, 2012, p. 22).
While few Methodists pastors believe in inerrancy, conservatives view scripture as the unique revelation of God. The Bible contains all we need to know to be saved and to live the Christian life. Conservatives believe that the four gospels are the heart of scripture and accurately portray the life of Christ. Christian Ethics- Because of their skepticism of human nature and reason, conservatives believe we must be guided by the principles found in the Old and New Covenants. Christian love must be guided by the moral teachings of scripture and the church.
He concludes that elders, overseers, and pastors are one in the same according to the New Testament. In Hammett’s view, if there is a distinction between elders, overseers, pastors, and deacons, then this could negate the effect of congregational government (157). He concludes that there should only be two offices of leadership in the church; that of pastors and deacons, governed by a regenerate congregation of believers devoted to the Lord’s service. The fourth part asks, “What does the church do?” Here the author raises the issue of various ministries of the church and the ordinances of the church (i.e. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
12. Ecclesiology; this refers to the theological approach of the study of the Christian church. 13. Soteriology; this refers to the study of the biblical doctrine of salvation Ptolemaic Worldview Shown above is an image of the Ptolemaic model of the world. This is different with the contemporary model of the world since the latter presents a unified view of the world, as compared to this one, which presents a separation between some aspects of nature.
Summary In the book, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, Entwistle examines two disciplines that share an interest in how human beings function. He goes in depth about the worldviews, models of integration, and philosophical foundations that shape the relationship between psychology and theology. Both disciplines are very helpful in understanding human beings and can be integrated as long as the methodologies and fundamental teachings do not contradict each other. Whether we find the truth through psychology or the Bible “all truth is God’s truth, so that where and however truth is discovered, its author is God” (Entwistle, 2010 p.13). Many people would not agree that Christianity and theology cannot be integrated, but in actuality it can.