We hear from time to time about
Christian morality, its uniqueness and its superiority over other moralities.
The area is an interesting one, and for several reasons. Let’s first look at the uniqueness of Christian morality. We can broadly identify three areas of morality and it is revealing to look at them separately.
First are areas of morality that pretty much everyone will agree on – such as the principle that we should not lie or steal. The golden rule (“do unto others …”) is familiar in many cultures and predates Jesus by centuries. By definition these moral principles are not specifically Christian, and need not detain us.
Second are areas where Christian
morality has changed. There are two striking things about these. The first is
that there are so many of them. The other is that the change has always been
away from biblical religious morality towards secular humanist morality. A few of
hundreds of examples where Churches were once in favour and are now against
are: slavery, the inferiority of women, capital offences for biblical crimes,
child labour, child marriage, and genocide. Examples where Churches were once
against and are now in favour include scientific medical treatment, democracy, labour
laws, and penal reform. In many cases the traditional Christian position was,
by widely accepted modern secular standards wrong, and often diametrically
wrong. In a few cases the position was not so much wrong as arbitrary. Examples
here might be drinking alcohol (non-conformists), shopping on a Sunday, or
reading the bible.
Third are areas where there is a
genuine moral question. For example the question of whether cannibalism is ever
justified, and what should one do when faced by “Sophie’s Choice” (the case
where you face a dilemma such as the choice of saving one or another of your two children. If you
refuse to make a choice then both will die). Another real example is a dilemma
faced by Winston Churchill during the Second World War: you know that the enemy
will attack a particular city tonight and kill thousands of innocent citizens.
If you warn them the enemy will know that you have broken their secret code, in
which case they will change the code and cut off a critical source of
information. What do you do?
The fascinating thing about these
moral dilemmas is that specifically Christian morality is of no practical use
at all. Most people would take a practical utilitarian approach of the “lesser of
two evils”. Christian moralists have always disagreed with each other, and the
best the Catholic Church has managed is to dress up the “lesser of two evils” idea
in Christian garb. In its Catholic dress it is known as “the principle of
double effect” – the idea was set out by Thomas Aquinas, but in such a way that
Catholic theologians have been arguing about it ever since. (A few years ago
the principle of double effect could not be applied to aborting ectopic
pregnancies, but now it can be, and is, even in Catholic hospitals).
Fourth there a single moral
principle that is distinctively Christian. According to the Bible it was taught
by Jesus himself. The principle is “Resist not evil”. Shelley, an atheist as well as a poet, was scathing
about this distinctive Christian teaching, and with reason. By all modern (ie
secular) standards it is a thoroughly immoral doctrine. It is a license for Churches to
stand by and watch innocent people suffer in pogroms, massacres, wars and genocide.
With this single exception, Christian
morality falls into three distinct categories. In the first the moral idea is so
obvious that everyone, including non-Christians, accepts it; alternatively it
is so wrong or arbitrary that it has had to change completely, or thirdly it is no
practical help at all. In other words by modern standards traditional Christian
morality was either not distinctively Christian, or where it was distinctively Christian it
was wrong.
In recent times, secular philosophers
and psychologists have unwittingly undermined the idea of a distinctive
Christian morality. They have devised a series of thought experiments, based on
a moral problem called “The trolley problem”. These problems are carefully
designed to establish exactly what factors people take into account in making
moral decisions.
In the basic problem, there is a
runaway trolley barrelling down a railway track. Ahead of it on the track,
there are five people tied up and unable to move. The trolley is headed
straight for them and will kill them. You are standing some distance away, next
to a points lever. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to a
different track. There is one person on this side track. You have two options: if you do nothing, the trolley will kill the
five people on the main track. If you pull the lever diverting the trolley onto
the side track, it will kill one person. Do you pull the lever or not?
The most interesting thing about this
experiment and various variations of it is that people tend to give very
similar answers to the problems irrespective of their religion. Christians give
much the same responses as atheists, pagans and people who know nothing about
Christianity. The inescapable conclusion is that far from providing a superior
moral system, the Christian Churches do not even provide a distinctive moral
system.
Other researchers have made other
interesting discoveries. Morality is a difficult thing to measure, but we can use
proxies. For example in every Christian country where statistics are available
the proportion of Christians in the prison population is significantly higher
than the percentage of Christians in the overall population. Are Christians
more criminal than non-Christians? Another study has found that Christians are
more likely than non-Christians to tell lies.
In another study a few years ago
psychologists devised an experiment where subjects encountered a slumped
groaning figure in front of them on a path. The experimenters were interested in who would stop
to offer help. Seminarians on their way to give a talk on the topic of the Good
Samaritan were no more likely than others to stop and help.
In short, there is no real
evidence that Christian morality is superior to any other in either theory or
practice, and some evidence that it is inferior. The fact that the God
of the Old Testament is now recognized as a moral monster, even by many Christians, speaks
volumes about Christian morality. Whatever the source of our morality, it cannot be a book or a god that we regard as immoral. We must be using some other standard.
More information, with references
The Trolley Problem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem
The Churches’ Moral record http://www.badnewsaboutchristianity.com/g00_harm.htm
Moral Arguments in Christianity http://www.badnewsaboutchristianity.com/fc0_moral.htm
jimmy choo boots
ReplyDeletechristian louboutin store
http://www.Us-JimmyChooShoes.com
red bottoms shoes on sale
red bottoms shoes
red sole shoes christian louboutin
jimmy choo sale
christian louboutin sale
louboutin outlet
red bottom shoes christian louboutin
authentic christian louboutin outlet
louboutin outlet online
christian louboutin outlet
louboutin sale
christian louboutin shoes
jimmy choo outlet
louboutin shoes
red bottom shoes for women
valentino boots
valentino bags
valentino sandals
valentino sneakers
valentino rockstud shoes
giuseppe zanotti sale
valentino ballerinas
giuseppe shoes
valentino flats
ecco shoes
ReplyDeletecanada goose sale
designer handbags
louis vuitton bags
polo ralph lauren outlet online
uggs outlet
adidas gazelle
birkenstock shoes
uggs outlet
michael kors outlet clearance
celine handbags
reebok outlet
converse shoes
north face uk
pandora charms uk
mont blanc pens outlet
ugg outlet
cheap jordans
coach outlet store
louis vuitton purse
yeezy boost 350
yeezy boost 350 black
canada goose uk
michael kors outlet online
yeezy 350 boost
adidas nmd
cheap ray bans
adidas nmd
vans shoes
tiffany jewelry
yeezy boost 350
2016822yuanyuan
For Fall 2014, Phoebe Philo presented a characteristic array of softly hued, luxe garments in streamlined, voluminous silhouettes, which received powerful nuance thanks to a strategic use of a particular detail. red sole shoes christian louboutin Many of the garments were punctuated with contrasting buttons, which lent an artistic, playful air to the pieces. Even some of her leather pieces — for which jimmy choo boots the brand is arguably most well-known — featured a brass button along their side.When not dotting her collection with these closures, Philo turned her attention to a jimmy choo outlet strong lineup of leopard-print coatdresses, heavily textured sweaters, and a capsule of garments with feathery wisps. Having fun with fashion just became a little more sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteWhile christian louboutin some Paris Fashion Week shows require a read through the show notes to truly understand the inspiration behind the collection, things at Olympia Le-Tan were so literal louboutin sale that you knew what was coming before the first model even hit the runway. The designer, who specialises in smart but quirky accessories and retro-inspired clothing, pulled giuseppe shoes a rabbit out of a hat this season (really!) when she showed a collection inspired red bottom shoes christian louboutin by magicians.From bomber jackets embroidered with the word "abracadabra" to heart-shaped collars, playing-card appliqués, and even white doves flying across the front of the skirt, the magical references were clear from the start. For those looking for something more subtle, black satin capelets and fluffy pink cardigans offered christian louboutin store
minnesota vikings jerseys
ReplyDeletemichael kors
filafila shoes
louis vuitton handbags
nfl jerseys
mont blanc pens
replica watches
nike air max uk
ralph lauren outlet
prada outlet
20172.24wengdongdong
nike air max 90
ReplyDeletemichael kors outlet online sale
michael kors bags
true religion jeans
reebok outlet
prada bags
nike outlet store
coach factory outlet online
nike roshe run
michael kors outlet
chenyingying20170318
JIANBIN0407
ReplyDeletenfl jersey wholesale
cheap oakley sunglasses
polo ralph lauren
ralph lauren
fitflops sale
instyler ionic styler
swarovski outlet
michael kors factory outlet
mulberry uk
burberry outlet
cheap ray bans
ReplyDeletecoach factory outlet
louis vuitton
polo shirts
christian louboutin
bottega veneta outlet online
coach handbags outlet
pandora outlet
christian louboutin shoes
coach outlet online
20170526ck
cheap jordans
ReplyDeletetrue religion jeans
ray ban sunglasses
cleveland cavaliers jersey
futbol baratas
adidas nmd runner
hermes belt
football shirts
adidas shoes
cheap oakley sunglasses
20170703caihuali
adidas shoes
ReplyDeletetrue religion outlet
michael kors outlet
ugg boots
polo ralph lauren outlet
oakley sunglasses
ugg outlet
coach outlet
ugg uk
uggs slippers
chenlina20170912
Coach Outlet Store Online Kate Spade Outlet Cheap Jordans Coach Purses Coach Outlet Kate Spade Outlet Nike Air Max Shoes Red Bottom Shoes Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Adidas Original
ReplyDeletembt
ReplyDeleterunning shoes
nike sb
nike shoes
jordan 5
asics
nike air max 1
ralph lauren
kevin durant shoes
nfl jerseys
chenyingying20180604
yeezy shoes
ReplyDeletejordan
longchamp handbags
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet
longchamp pas cher
nike air max
marc jacobs handbags
kobe 9 elite
vans outlet
2018.6.27xukaimin
ReplyDeleteنقل اثاث داخل جدة نقل اثاث داخل جدة
دينا نقل اثاث جدة دينا نقل اثاث جدة
افضل شركة نقل اثاث من جدة الى الرياض شركة نقل اثاث من جدة الى الرياض
شركة نقل اثاث من جدة الى دبي شركة نقل اثاث من جدة الى دبي
I would like more information about this, because it is very nice., Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteunfair mario
Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing.
ReplyDeletestrike force heroes 3
i like your blog please watch online indian dramas full episodes hd...
ReplyDeleteCrime Patrol
molkki
Incredible Article it its truly instructive and inventive update us as often as possible with new upgrades. its was truly important. much obliged.
ReplyDelete토토사이트
온라인카지노
파워볼사이트
Thanks for share amazing content. Very interesting keep posting.
ReplyDelete토토
스포츠토토
토토사이트
먹튀검증
Much thanks to you for setting aside an ideal opportunity to distribute this data extremely valuable!
ReplyDelete스포츠토토
카지노사이트
파워볼
바카라사이트
Thanks for sharing this wise and mindful content.
ReplyDelete파워볼
Daebak! that’s what I was looking for, what a information! present here at this website 경마사이트
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such great information. I also write about casino& sports betting online on my personal blog. kindly check out my page and learn more about online gambling! Thanks a lot admin! 릴게임
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc. 메이저토토
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your web’s topic. Very creative and friendly for users.바카라사이트 Definitely bookmark this and follow it everyday.
ReplyDelete토토 Thanks for outstanding details and truth of the concern
ReplyDelete토토사이트 Satisfying blog I am highly satisfied I have been here
ReplyDelete카지노사이트홈 This was clearly amazing I would love to see more of this.
ReplyDelete온라인카지노사이트 It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s up, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s actually good, keep up writing. 카지노
ReplyDeleteAmazing things here. I’m very satisfied to see your post.온라인카지노
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect post.안전놀이터 It helped me a lot. If you have time, I hope you come to my site and share your opinions. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteI’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I definitely love reading everything that is written on your site. Keep the articles coming. I liked it!
ReplyDelete온라인카지노
It's really great. Thank you for providing a quality article. There is something you might be interested in. Do you know 먹튀검증? If you have more questions, please come to my site and check it out!
ReplyDeleteHi there, I log on to your new stuff daily. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep up
ReplyDeletethe good work!
https://www.safetotosite.pro
how to make $4000 a week playing 카지노사이트 온라인카지노 우리카지노 online
ReplyDeleteExcellent information Providing by your Article thank you for taking the time to share with us such a nice article.
ReplyDelete야설
Thanks for sharing.I found a lot of interesting information here. A really good post, very thankful and hopeful that you will write many more. Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few post. I like your style of writing... Feel free to visit my website;
ReplyDelete일본야동
Very good message. I stumbled across your blog and wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your articles. Anyway, I will subscribe to your feed and hope you post again soon. Feel free to visit my website;
ReplyDelete국산야동
I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the endeavors that you have made in writing this article. All the content is absolutely well-researched. Thanks Feel free to visit my website;
ReplyDelete일본야동
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a good article?but what can I say?I procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done. Feel free to visit my website;
ReplyDelete한국야동
I've been troubled for several days with this topic. 슬롯사이트, But by chance looking at your post solved my problem! I will leave my blog, so when would you like to visit it?
ReplyDeleteMy spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m
ReplyDeletelooking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of
the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
https://www.safecasinosite.net
Thanks for sharing the informative post. If you are looking the Linksys extender setup guidelines . so, we have a best technical expert for handlings your quires. for more information gets touch with us.
ReplyDelete고스톱
You present a very well-written article and with some awesome information which is very helpful, like me as reader. Thanks for sharing it and also
ReplyDeleteplease visit our great site below.
스포츠토토
Your writing is perfect and complete. However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once? keonha cai
ReplyDeleteúžasné zostavenie, veľmi poučné. Zaujímalo by ma, prečo ostatní špecialisti na toto
ReplyDeletesi to neuvedomujú. Mali by ste pokračovať v písaní.
➤ https://www.safecasinosite.net
What your declaring is entirely genuine. I know that everyone need to say the exact same factor, but I just believe that you put it in a way that all of us can comprehend. Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteYour writing is perfect and complete. 크레이지슬롯 However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once?
ReplyDeleteCasinoMecca
ReplyDeleteCasinoMecca
ReplyDeleteI like this website its a master peace ! Glad I found this on google . 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteI must say, as a lot as I enjoyed reading what you had to say, I couldn't help but lose interest after a while. 카지노사이트777
ReplyDeleteHello! Nice to meet you, I say . The name of the community I run is 안전놀이터추천, and the community I run contains articles similar to your blog. If you have time, I would be very grateful if you visit my site .
ReplyDeletentastic. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. 먹튀검증
ReplyDeletepeople will pass over your extremely good writing due to this hassle. 먹튀검증업체
ReplyDeleteWhen I read an article on this topic, 카지노사이트추천 the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me when you have time to discuss this topic?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the text. I can learn good and new information. 스포츠토토를 주로 이용하는 사람들
ReplyDeleteGlad to see the best information. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. 토토사이트
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you so much for sharing this important information from us. Your content is awesome, I'm very happy after read it.abogado Baltimore flsa
ReplyDeleteIt’s a very informative post to us, I have visited.hope you will share a quality blog. I mark this Post for future reference.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSilicon carbide and aluminium oxide are the major impregnating abrasive particles of sandpaper. sandpaper grit
thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.
ReplyDeletethanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.divorces in virginia
ReplyDelete