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In this assignment, you will analyze the implications of an ethical issue according to your worldview. Write a 1,000-1,500 word essay in which you analyze ethical thinking and use values-based decision making to address a case study from the perspective of the Christian worldview as compared to your own worldview assumptions. Choose one case study from the five options listed on the “Ethical Dilemmas” document. After an appropriate introductory paragraph with a thesis statement in which you name the scenario you are choosing, address each of the following six sections with at least one paragraph each.
Ethical Dilemma
Briefly describe the ethical dilemma in your own words, including (a) what in the scenario makes it difficult to make an ethical decision and (b) at least two options for resolving the scenario, providing a brief overview of what sort of ethical decisions each option might make.
Core Beliefs
What beliefs about God and humanity from the Christian worldview are relevant to the scenario? How might these core worldview commitments of Christians influence one's decision making with regard to this scenario?
Resolution
Describe the Christian worldview's proposal for resolving the ethical dilemma. How should the person in the scenario act according to the Christian worldview? What is the best course of action for a Christian? (Note: The resolution should be consistent with Christian worldview commitments.)
Evaluation
What might be the unintended consequences and perceived benefits of the resolution proposed by the Christian worldview?
Comparison
How does the Christian worldview's resolution compare to another option?
Conclusion
Synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together.
References
Use and cite two course resources (textbook, lectures, and the Bible), and at least two scholarly sources from the GCU online library that address the issue from opposing sides.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The ethical dilemma surrounding pornography presents a significant challenge within contemporary moral discussions. For this essay, I will analyze the scenario of a person struggling with lust and exposure to pornography, reflecting from both a Christian worldview and my own worldview assumptions. The primary focus is how values-based decision making can guide ethical choices in this context, considering the implications of each worldview perspective. The Christian worldview emphasizes purity, sanctity of the human body, and moral accountability, while my personal outlook may consider psychological, social, and individual rights aspects. The thesis argues that aligning choices with Christian principles offers a moral compass grounded in scripture and moral virtue, but also that alternative perspectives highlight the need for compassionate understanding and practical solutions.
Ethical Dilemma
The dilemma involves an individual battling temptation from pornography, which conflicts with personal and societal standards of morality. The difficulty lies in the tension between natural human desires and moral obligations rooted in religious teachings. Two potential options for resolving the dilemma include: (1) abstaining from pornography through spiritual discipline and accountability, viewed as the morally upright choice; or (2) succumbing to temptation, which might be justified by psychological or social reasons but is ethically problematic within a Christian framework. Each option entails different ethical decisions — the former upholding moral purity and self-control, while the latter risks perpetuating moral decay and spiritual harm.
Core Beliefs
The Christian worldview holds that humans are created in God's image, with inherent dignity and purpose (Genesis 1:27). It affirms that sin separates humanity from God and that Jesus Christ offers redemption and moral guidance (Romans 3:23-24). Regarding sexuality and purity, scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 emphasize the importance of honoring one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. These core beliefs underscore the view that pursuing holiness and resisting immoral temptations align with divine will. From this perspective, exposure to pornography is viewed as a violation of God's design for human sexuality, leading to spiritual harm and moral compromise.
Resolution
The Christian worldview advocates for actively resisting pornography through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture memorization, accountability partnerships, and possibly counseling. The resolution entails recognizing the harm of lust and seeking God's strength to overcome it, with an emphasis on repentance and renewal (1 John 1:9). The moral course of action for a Christian involves self-control, avoiding triggers, and fostering environments of accountability. The Christian ideal emphasizes compassion for oneself and others while maintaining moral integrity, understanding that sanctification is a process. Therefore, the best course of action is to confess struggles, seek spiritual support, and pursue purity in accordance with biblical teachings.
Evaluation
Unintended consequences of adopting the Christian resolution might include feelings of guilt or shame if the individual perceives failure, which can lead to spiritual despair. However, perceived benefits include spiritual growth, healthier relationships, and greater alignment with divine standards. The emphasis on forgiveness and grace from biblical teachings can mitigate feelings of condemnation, encouraging perseverance in moral growth. Additionally, such resolution can foster community support, which promotes accountability and emotional resilience, ultimately supporting psychological well-being and spiritual health.
Comparison
Comparing the Christian resolution with a secular approach rooted in psychological well-being reveals differences. A secular perspective might focus on therapy or counseling to address underlying causes of addiction or compulsive behavior, emphasizing personal agency and mental health strategies. While both approaches advocate for overcoming temptation, the secular model may lack explicit spiritual accountability but focus more on individual empowerment and pragmatic tools. Conversely, the Christian approach integrates moral and spiritual disciplines as essential components for transformation, emphasizing divine assistance and moral virtue as pathways to overcoming temptation.
Conclusion
In summary, addressing pornography as an ethical dilemma involves navigating moral, spiritual, and psychological elements. The Christian worldview offers a comprehensive resolution centered on divine guidance, moral purity, and spiritual discipline. Contrasting this with secular approaches highlights the importance of integrating faith and practical support in overcoming such dilemmas. Ultimately, embracing a biblical perspective encourages moral integrity and spiritual renewal, fostering personal growth aligned with divine purpose. The decision to pursue righteousness is driven by core biblical values, emphasizing love, redemption, and sanctification, vital for ethical decision-making in this challenging area.
References
- The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica, Inc.
- Felder, J. (2014). Christian Ethics and Pornography: A Biblical Perspective. Journal of Christian Ethics, 27(2), 115-132.
- Hawkins, M. (2018). The Psychology of Addiction: Secular and Religious Approaches. Journal of Counseling & Development, 96(3), 250-258.
- Johnson, P. (2020). Moral Decision Making and Biblical Perspectives. Grand Canyon University Library.
- Smith, L. (2019). Addressing Sexual Temptation: A Christian Approach. Theology Today, 75(4), 330-348.
- Thompson, R. (2017). The Christian View of Human Dignity. Journal of Religious Ethics, 45(1), 87-105.
- Williams, S. (2016). Counseling Strategies for Pornography Addiction. Journal of Counseling & Development, 94(2), 207-218.
- Walker, J. (2015). The Role of Grace in Moral Transformation. Christian Ethics Today, 20(3), 45-59.
- Leviticus 19:2. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
- Romans 12:2. The Holy Bible, New International Version.
Overall, this paper demonstrates how core Christian principles can guide ethical decision-making in resolving dilemmas such as pornography, emphasizing moral integrity, spiritual discipline, and compassionate support, contrasted with secular approaches that focus on psychological strategies and personal agency.