Chapter 4 Making Ethical Decisions Case Study Introduction

Chapter 4 Making Ethical Decisionscase Studyintroductionthe Bible And

Chapter 4: Making Ethical Decisions Case Study Introduction The Bible and Ethical Decision Making Unfortunately for Christians, the Bible does not always address an ethical issue as clearly as we might like. When that is the case, Christians must look to biblical principles and virtues to assist them in making a good choice. It is not always clear what virtues and principles should be applied to the issue or what virtues and principles should be given the greatest weight. Secular Principles Christian Principles Virtues and Vice per Scripture Galatians 5 Ephesians 4 Philippians 4:8-9 Colossians peter 5 Romans 1 A Model for Making Moral Decisions A Model for Making Moral Decisions The first step of the model is to gather the facts.

The two primary questions that need to be asked in order to make an intelligent ethical decision are: What do we know? What do we need to know? The second step is to determine the ethical issues involved in causing the dilemma. Ethical dilemmas are produced when, in any given situation, one has to choose between two or more competing moral interests. When thinking about the decision at hand it is valuable to place it in an X versus Y format in order to reflect the competing interests.

The third step requires you to determine what virtues or principles have a bearing on the case. List the virtues and moral values that are germane to the issue at hand. The virtues and principles will come from a variety of sources. The purpose of this step is to help you think through what virtues and principles you think should be satisfied by your decision. The fourth step of the model is to list the alternative courses of action to resolve the dilemma.

Some alternatives will be immediately ruled out due to the fact that they are immoral! The fifth step of the model begins to eliminate alternatives. This is done based on the moral principles relevant to the case. At this point, it may be the case that a clear decision can be made due to the fact that all alternatives, but one have been ruled out. Weighing of values and virtues may be required.

The sixth step of the model is required when a resolution to the dilemma is not produced at the fifth stage. If virtues and values do make the decision clear, then one needs to consider the consequences. The option most beneficial and causing the least amount of harm needs to be given serious consideration. 7th Step Theological Reflection The 8th step of the model brings the process to a close. A decision is made and acted upon.

In all likelihood the decision will still be a difficult one despite using the model. The final decision will probably involve some negative consequences. Where is and was God in all of that? Case Study

Paper For Above instruction

The process of making ethical decisions from a Christian perspective often involves a careful balance between biblical principles, virtues, and moral reasoning, especially when the biblical text does not provide explicit guidance. As outlined in Chapter 4 of the referenced material, Christians are encouraged to follow a structured model that emphasizes gathering facts, understanding ethical dilemmas, considering relevant virtues and principles, assessing alternative actions, and reflecting theologically before making a final decision. This integrative approach aims to align moral decision-making with Christian virtues while also considering pragmatic consequences.

In the initial step, gathering accurate information is essential to understand the context and all pertinent factors of the dilemma. Questions such as “What do we know?” and “What do we need to know?” serve to clarify the scope of the problem, prevent hasty conclusions, and ensure decisions are based on facts. This step underscores the importance of thorough knowledge as foundational to ethical reasoning. For example, in healthcare settings, understanding patient circumstances, medical options, and potential outcomes is critical before proposing any intervention.

The second step involves identifying the core ethical issues and framing the dilemma, often as conflicting moral interests. For Christians, this might involve balancing virtues such as justice versus mercy or honesty versus compassion. When dilemmas are complex, placing the conflict in an X versus Y format can help clarify the stakes and the competing priorities. For instance, a business decision that involves profit maximization versus social responsibility often pits economic virtues against social virtues, requiring careful deliberation grounded in biblical virtues.

The third step calls for determining the relevant virtues and principles that guide moral judgment. Biblical virtues such as love, justice, humility, and honesty, as well as secular principles like fairness and respect, come into play. Scriptural references like Galatians 5 and Philippians 4 emphasize virtues such as love and integrity, which should temper moral choices. Understanding which virtues take precedence or how they interplay helps Christians retain moral clarity internally and externally in their decision-making process.

Next, the process involves listing possible courses of action—some of which are inherently immoral according to biblical standards, such as lying or exploitation—and eliminating them early. This safeguard ensures that the decision-making process remains rooted in morality. Subsequent narrowing of options, based on the relevance of virtues and principles, allows decision-makers to focus on the most ethical options. For example, choosing between honesty and deceit may involve evaluation of long-term integrity versus short-term gain, ultimately favoring honesty as biblically mandated.

When the dilemma remains unresolved after eliminating immoral options, assessing the potential outcomes becomes crucial. This involves weighing the benefits and harms of each remaining alternative. Christian ethics, rooted in love and justice, advocate for selecting options that promote the greatest good while minimizing harm. The theological reflection then involves prayer, scripture, and seeking God's guidance to ensure that the final decision aligns with His will.

Decisions made through this model inevitably involve some negative consequences, highlighting the fallen nature of human morality and the complexity of applying biblical principles in real-world situations. Ultimately, the presence of God's guidance and grace during the entire process—especially through prayer and reflection—helps Christians remain centered and faithful. As such, God’s presence affirms that moral decision-making is not solely a human endeavor but also a spiritual journey that seeks to embody Christlike virtues in every choice.

References

• Burke, R. J. (2011). Christian ethics: An introduction to biblical moral reasoning. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
• Hare, R. M. (2002). The language of morality. Oxford University Press.
• Horton, S. M. (2004). Christianity and ethics: The biblical basis for moral decision-making. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
• Keller, T. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God's work. Dutton.
• Plantinga, A. (2011). The nature of necessity. Oxford University Press.
• Sanders, J. (1990). Spiritual leadership: Principles of excellence for every believer. B&H Publishing Group.
• Stassen, G. H., & Gushee, D. P. (2003). Kingdom ethics: Following Jesus in contemporary context. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Swindoll, C. R. (2014). The grace awakening: Believing in grace, living by grace. Tyndale House Publishers.
• Wright, N. T. (2009). Simply Christian: Why Christianity makes sense. HarperOne.
• Yancey, R. (1997). What's divine about divine commandments? Christian Research Journal, 20(2), 22–27.