Christianity: Good conduct and key moral principles — AQA A-Level Religious Studies
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Christianity: Good conduct and key moral principles explained
This topic explores the importance of good moral conduct in the Christian way of life, including theological concepts of justification and predestination, as well as Christian perspectives on the sanctity of life, dominion, and stewardship.
What to demonstrate
- The importance of good moral conduct in the Christian way of life.
- Understanding of justification by works, justification by faith, and predestination.
- The concept of the sanctity of life and its application to embryo research and the unborn child.
Show all 6 objectives
- The just war theory and its application to weapons of mass destruction.
- The concepts of dominion and stewardship regarding animals and the natural environment.
- How changing understandings of human impact on the environment have affected the role of stewardship.
Christianity: Good conduct and key moral principles exam tips
Topic Overview
This topic explores the foundations of Christian moral decision-making, focusing on how key principles such as agape love, the sanctity of life, and the use of scripture and conscience guide ethical conduct. It examines the relationship between faith and morality, considering how Christians apply biblical teachings and natural law to contemporary issues like abortion, euthanasia, and war. Understanding these principles is essential for evaluating Christian responses to moral dilemmas and for comparing them with other ethical frameworks.
The study of Christian moral principles is central to AQA A-Level Religious Studies because it connects theological beliefs with practical ethics. Students must grasp how concepts like imago Dei (the belief that humans are made in God's image) and the Golden Rule shape Christian attitudes towards human dignity and social justice. This topic also requires critical engagement with debates about whether Christian morality is absolute or relative, and how different denominations (e.g., Catholic vs. Protestant) interpret moral authority.
Mastery of this content enables students to analyse and evaluate Christian perspectives on a range of issues, from medical ethics to war and peace. It also provides a foundation for comparing Christian ethics with secular approaches like utilitarianism or Kantian ethics. By the end of this topic, students should be able to articulate how Christian moral principles are derived, applied, and challenged in modern contexts.
Key Concepts
- →Agape: Selfless, unconditional love that is the highest Christian virtue, as seen in Jesus' teachings and the parable of the Good Samaritan.
- →Sanctity of Life: The belief that all human life is sacred because it is created in God's image (imago Dei), leading to opposition to abortion and euthanasia.
- →Conscience: For Christians, conscience is often seen as the voice of God or a God-given moral compass, though its reliability is debated (e.g., Aquinas vs. Freud).
- →Natural Law: A Catholic moral theory that moral principles are inherent in nature and can be discerned through reason, with primary precepts like preserving life and worshipping God.
- →Situation Ethics: A consequentialist approach based on agape, arguing that love should determine the right action in each situation, as proposed by Joseph Fletcher.
Marking Points
- The importance of good moral conduct in the Christian way of life.
- Understanding of justification by works, justification by faith, and predestination.
- The concept of the sanctity of life and its application to embryo research and the unborn child.
- The just war theory and its application to weapons of mass destruction.
- The concepts of dominion and stewardship regarding animals and the natural environment.
- How changing understandings of human impact on the environment have affected the role of stewardship.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Ensure you can define and distinguish between justification by faith and justification by works.
- 💡When discussing the sanctity of life, provide specific examples of how it is applied to embryo research.
- 💡Be prepared to evaluate how different Christian denominations might interpret the concept of dominion versus stewardship.
- 💡Use specialist terminology such as 'just war theory' and 'predestination' accurately.
- 💡When evaluating Christian moral principles, always consider both strengths and weaknesses. For example, agape is inspiring but can be vague in practice; natural law provides clear rules but may seem rigid. Use specific scholars (e.g., Aquinas, Fletcher) to support your points.
- 💡In essays, compare Christian ethics with at least one other ethical theory (e.g., utilitarianism) to demonstrate critical analysis. Show how Christian principles might respond to criticisms, such as the problem of moral diversity.
- 💡Use real-world examples to illustrate principles. For instance, discuss how the sanctity of life influences Christian views on abortion, and contrast this with situation ethics' focus on love in difficult cases. This shows application and depth.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the concepts of dominion and stewardship.
- Failing to link moral conduct to the specific theological concepts of justification and predestination.
- Generalizing Christian views on the sanctity of life without acknowledging the diversity of perspectives.
- Ignoring the impact of modern environmental awareness on traditional interpretations of stewardship.
- Misconception: All Christians follow the same moral principles. Correction: There is significant diversity; for example, Catholics often rely on natural law and magisterium, while Protestants may prioritise scripture and personal conscience.
- Misconception: Christian ethics are purely deontological (rule-based). Correction: While many rules exist (e.g., Ten Commandments), some Christians adopt teleological approaches like situation ethics, focusing on outcomes guided by love.
- Misconception: The sanctity of life means Christians always oppose any form of killing. Correction: Many Christians support just war theory and capital punishment in certain circumstances, showing that the principle is not absolute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between agape and other types of love in Christianity?
Agape is the highest form of love in Christian theology, distinct from eros (romantic love), philia (brotherly love), and storge (familial love). It is selfless, unconditional, and seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return. Christians believe agape reflects God's love for humanity, as demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice. It is central to Christian ethics, guiding moral decisions through the principle of loving one's neighbour as oneself.
How do Christians use the Bible to make moral decisions?
Christians use the Bible in various ways: some take a literalist approach, seeing biblical commands as directly applicable; others interpret them contextually, considering historical and cultural background. Key passages include the Ten Commandments, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and Paul's letters. However, Christians may disagree on which parts are binding, leading to different conclusions on issues like divorce or homosexuality. Many also balance scripture with reason, tradition, and experience.
What is the sanctity of life and how does it affect Christian views on abortion?
The sanctity of life is the belief that all human life is sacred because it is created in God's image (imago Dei). This leads most Christians to oppose abortion, as they see the foetus as a human life from conception. The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is intrinsically evil, while some Protestant denominations allow exceptions (e.g., to save the mother's life). The principle also influences debates on euthanasia and embryo research.
What is natural law and how does it relate to Christian ethics?
Natural law is a moral theory developed by Thomas Aquinas, arguing that moral principles are inherent in nature and discoverable through reason. It holds that humans have a purpose (e.g., to preserve life, reproduce, worship God) and that actions are right if they fulfil this purpose. In Christian ethics, natural law provides a rational basis for morality, complementing revelation. It is particularly influential in Catholic moral teaching, guiding views on issues like contraception and sexuality.
What is situation ethics and why do some Christians reject it?
Situation ethics, proposed by Joseph Fletcher, is a Christian ethical theory that argues the only absolute moral principle is agape love. It rejects fixed rules, instead determining the right action based on what is most loving in each situation. Some Christians reject it because it can justify actions that contradict biblical commands (e.g., lying or stealing if done out of love). Critics also argue it is too subjective and lacks clear guidance.
How do Christians view conscience in moral decision-making?
Christians have diverse views on conscience. Thomas Aquinas saw it as the innate ability to discern moral truth, guided by synderesis (the habit of grasping first principles). Others, like John Henry Newman, viewed conscience as the voice of God. However, some theologians (e.g., Freud) argue conscience is shaped by society and upbringing, making it fallible. In practice, many Christians see conscience as important but subject to formation by scripture, church teaching, and prayer.