Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical Decision-Making Name: Course: Date: 10-2-2020 Instructor: For questions 2-6, chose from the "Decision-Making Cases" document in the topic study materials. Use critical thinking as well as support from the topic study materials to answer the following prompts. 1. Why do Christians believe that morality is absolute and objective, rather than relative and subjective? If morality is objective, where do Christians get their moral standard? Cite Chapter 7 of The Beginning of Wisdom textbook and/or topic overview. Include the resources you use on a reference page at the end of this document. Your answer in 75-100 words: Christians believe that morality is objective and absolute because the bible & teachings of Jesus Christ guide us in living ethically sound lives. It is also believed that humans universally know right from wrong and are made in God’s image and also capable of living good lives. The textbook states that “although our moral sense is imperfect, we have a basic sense of morality built into our natures and written on our hearts”(Ch.7). 2. Use the case you chose from the "Decision-Making Cases" document to answer the following questions to build the Christian ethical response. Use logical reasoning (general revelation). Cite Bible passages (special revelation), The Beginning of Wisdom textbook, and/or the topic overview. Include the resources you use on a reference page at the end of this document. a. Which case did you choose? Abortion After trying for many years, Ruth finally gets pregnant. A blood test confirms that her baby has Down syndrome, and her doctors suggest she abort the fetus. A child with Down syndrome would involve extra care which could continue for a lifetime. Ruth has a successful career and wants to maintain a healthy balance between her career and family. Yet she feels very uncomfortable with abortion. Knowing that you are learning about the Christian worldview, Ruth wonders what the moral response would be. b. In Chapter 2 of The Beginning of Wisdom textbook and the Topic 1 Overview, the elements of a worldview (ultimate reality, nature of the universe, humanity, knowledge, ethics, purpose) are presented. In the case you chose, which worldview element is going to be the biggest factor for determining right and wrong in the case you chose? Why? Your answer in 75-100 words: For the case I have chosen, it is very difficult to determine exactly one particular worldview element. Abortion is a sensitive subject especially to those who feel the pressures of having to experience such a traumatic situation. The basis of the prolife stance on abortion is built upon the idea that every human life has a purpose and is a gift from God. So, abortion not only questions ethics, but also goes against human nature and can be seen as a sinful act due to the sacredness of life. c. How does the Christian worldview describe the worldview element you identified? Your answer in 75-100 words: The Christian worldview believes that humans generally have a sense of morality & understand right from wrong. Ethically, Christians try to live a life that honors and glorifies God by following the ten commandments and allowing the holy spirit to guide them and spread the love of Christ. Christianity builds a strong foundation for teaching good morals and instilling the belief that life in all forms is valuable and uniquely designed with a purpose and a plan by God. From a young age, Christians are taught to love each other and thy neighbors as Jesus & God loved humanity. d. What are Bible passages (cite at most three) that will guide the ethics for the case you choose? How do these Bible passages apply to this case? Your answer in 75-100 words: The main dilemma about the case I have chosen & abortion as a whole, is that the operation willingly ends the life of an unborn fetus, ultimately interrupting God’s plan for life. One main verse that supports the pro-life stance on abortion is “Thou shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Another is, ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations”(Jeremiah 1:5). Lastly, “ Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them…”(Psalm 127:3-5). e. Based on your answers to b and c, explain the Christian response to the case you chose. In other words, how might the Christian worldview resolve the issue? Your answer in 75-100 words: The Christian Worldview supports the pro-life stance on abortion and many nonprofit Christian organizations as well as churches fun many different types of community outreaches and provide resources for mothers who need assistance. The Christian Worldview believes that every life is valuable and that a baby, regardless of age & circumstance, is a blessing from God. There are also many adoption agencies & church-funded orphanages for children born to families that are troubled. Many Christians believe that life is precious and will go to far lengths to help those who are faced with cause for abortions. 3. Your previous responses built a Christian ethical stance and provided a Christian resolution for the case. How might this Christian resolution to the issue increase human dignity and human value? Your answer in 50-75 words: The Christian worldview and it’s tendency to support pro-life efforts & resources increase human value and dignity by essentially advocating for the voices of the unborn babies who cannot speak for themselves. Christians believe that all life is a blessing and the bible states that, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life”(Job 33:4). 4. The Christian position that humans should flourish comes from belief in the goodness of God. How so? What are the connections between God's goodness and human flourishing? Your answer in 50-75 words: The Christian worldview believes that by God’s goodness & grace that we are washed from our sinful nature and lead by the holy spirit to live righteous lives. Christianity promotes human flourishing by encouraging happiness by aligning themselves with the teachings of the bible. While human suffering tends to discourage us, Christians understand that the ultimate reward for living a godly life is eternal life in heaven. 5. Considering the Christian resolution you built for the case and everyone involved in the scenario, what might be some benefits or unintended consequences that come from this resolution? What might be challenging for people to accept or do? Your answer in 75-100 words: When it comes to this particular abortion case, the most Christian decision would be to not only keep the unborn child but accept that God might use this situation as a lesson in order to bring you closer to him. Educating the mother on raising a disabled child is the first step. The most challenging thing for the people to do in this scenario is prepare themselves with the realities of living with a child with downs syndrome. 6. What are some ways that Christians should be active in helping to alleviate the suffering related to this issue? Give specific examples that ordinary people can do. Your answer in 75-100 words: Christians can be active in alleviating the suffering from abortion and complicated pregnancies by not only establishing non-profits that are community based in order to help mothers and provide educations on options for life, but also by supporting mothers and providing judgment free options for mothers who have unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. Ordinary people can donate to organizations, vote for legislation that supports their worldview, and pray for humanity. In a world that seemingly strays farther from God’s light, all Christians can do is spread hope. References: