Criteria, Standards and Methods of Christian Ethics / Sir JV TV

Summary

This lesson delves into Christian ethics, exploring criteria such as the 'criterion of right' emphasizing duties like truth and productivity, derived from Philippians and Colossians. It discusses the 'criterion of good' focusing on loving God and others, as per Matthew. The 'criterion of situation' is also highlighted, referencing Jesus' teachings. The standards of final authority are Jesus Christ and the Bible. Methods for ethical decision-making include intuition, faith, and reason, guiding Christians to align their actions with divine will.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson focuses on Christian ethics, specifically discussing criteria, standards, and methods.
• ✅ The first criterion is the 'criterion of right,' which emphasizes the duty of man, including practicing truth and nobility (Philippians 4:8-9).
• 🎯 The second criterion is the 'criterion of good,' which focuses on the purpose of man, such as loving God and neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40).
• 💡 The 'criterion of fit' emphasizes the situation of man, citing teachings like 'the Sabbath was made for man' (Mark 2:27).
• ✝️ Jesus Christ’s life and teachings serve as the final authority for Christian ethics, as emphasized by John 14:6.
• 📖 The Bible is a key standard for right and wrong, offering guidance on teaching and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• 👁️ The first method of choosing Christian ethics is intuition, which refers to moral sense or conscience, given by God.
• 🙏 The second method is faith in God, which allows individuals to discern God’s will through Jesus Christ.
• 🧠 The third method is reason, described as the power of discrimination, allowing humans to think and analyze before making moral decisions.
• 💪 The lesson concludes with the reminder to put faith into action, highlighting that trusting in God requires active participation.

Q & A

What are the main criteria of Christian ethics discussed in the script?

The main criteria of Christian ethics discussed are the criterion of right, which emphasizes duty, the criterion of good, which emphasizes purpose, and the criterion of love, which emphasizes situation.

What is the criterion of right in Christian ethics, and what are some examples of prescribed duties from the script?

The criterion of right emphasizes the duty of man. Examples include practicing what is true and noble (Philippians 4:8-9), being productive (Colossians 1:10-12), and demonstrating justice, love, kindness, and humility with God (Micah 6:8).

How is the criterion of good in Christian ethics defined, and what are its primary purposes?

The criterion of good emphasizes the purpose of man, which includes loving God above all else and loving one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and doing the will of God from the heart.

What does the criterion of love in Christian ethics focus on, and what are some sayings of Jesus that illustrate this?

The criterion of love focuses on the situation of man. Sayings of Jesus that illustrate this include 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath' (Mark 2:27) and 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's' (Mark 12:17).

What are the standards or final authorities for determining right and wrong in Christian ethics as mentioned in the script?

The standards or final authorities for determining right and wrong in Christian ethics are Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings serve as the standard for Christian behavior, and the Word of God or the Bible, which is considered God-breathed and useful for teaching and training in righteousness.

How does the script describe the method of intuition in Christian ethics?

Intuition in Christian ethics is described as an inside instinct or moral sense, a perception or conscience that God has given to man. It is the moral sense that dictates actions and feelings of guilt when mistakes are made.

What role does faith in God play in the methods of Christian ethics according to the script?

Faith in God is essential for discerning God's will and experiencing it in life. It is through relating one's life to Jesus Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit that one can understand and follow God's will.

How is reason incorporated into the methods of Christian ethics as discussed in the script?

Reason, also called the power of discrimination, is incorporated as part of the methods of Christian ethics because God created man as a rational being. It involves thinking and analyzing situations, implications, and experiences before making moral decisions.

What is the final message or call to action given in the script regarding the practice of Christian ethics?

The final message is to continue choosing what is good, right, and fit according to the standard of God and His word, using intuition, reason, and faith in God. It also emphasizes putting faith into action, as trusting in God is not a spectator's sport.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between what one is and what one becomes in the context of Christian ethics?

The script suggests that what one is, is God's gift to them, and what one becomes is their gift back to God, implying that personal growth and development in Christian ethics is a reciprocal relationship between the individual and God.