Christian Ethics Final Exam

The statement is true because the Bible clearly states that the prenatal fetus is a human being. There are several verses in the Bible that support this, such as Psalm 139:13-16 which says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This passage clearly indicates that God is involved in the creation of a fetus and considers it a human being.

According to the study of Christian Ethics, homosexuality is considered a learned behavior. This suggests that individuals acquire homosexual tendencies through socialization and environmental factors, rather than it being an inherent or natural inclination. This viewpoint aligns with the belief that sexual orientation can be influenced and shaped by external influences, such as upbringing and cultural norms.

Christians are called to be obedient citizens and to respect the authority of the state. This includes paying taxes, as Jesus himself taught to "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). Additionally, Christians are encouraged to submit to both pagan and Christian authorities, as long as their commands do not contradict God's teachings. This is supported by passages such as Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17, which emphasize the importance of respecting and obeying earthly authorities. Therefore, the statement that Christians must pay taxes and obey both pagan and Christian authority is true.

In vitro fertilization is the correct answer because it is a process where a man's sperm is used to fertilize a woman's egg outside of the womb. This technique involves retrieving eggs from the woman's ovaries and combining them with sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred back into the woman's uterus for implantation and pregnancy. In vitro fertilization is commonly used to help couples with fertility issues or individuals who want to conceive using donor eggs or sperm.

The correct answer is "Biblical Pacifism, Christian Activism, Just War Tradition". Within the evangelical community, these are the three major positions on the problem of war. Biblical Pacifism advocates for nonviolence and opposes war in all circumstances. Christian Activism promotes peaceful activism and social justice as a means to address conflicts. Just War Tradition holds that under certain conditions, war can be morally justified, such as in self-defense or protection of innocent lives. These positions represent different perspectives within the evangelical community on the issue of war.

The correct answer is "No absolute framework, the slippery slope, integrated nature of ethics, lack of defense of ethical issues." This answer aligns with the reasons provided in the given options. It suggests that studying Christian Ethics is important because there is no absolute framework for ethical decision-making, which can lead to a slippery slope of moral relativism. Additionally, ethics is an integrated concept that affects various aspects of life, and there is a lack of defense for ethical issues in society.

The correct answer is Cultural relativism, situation ethics, and behaviorism. These three options are discussed in the course as relativistic ethical approaches. Cultural relativism is the belief that ethical standards are determined by the cultural context. Situation ethics emphasizes the importance of considering the unique circumstances of each situation when making ethical decisions. Behaviorism focuses on the study of observable behaviors and the influence of external stimuli on human actions. These three options represent different perspectives on ethics and how moral judgments are made.

The given answer is false. The decision made by the Supreme Court in 1973, Roe v. Wade, actually declared that abortion is a constitutional right for women. It legalized abortion in the United States and established that a woman has the right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. Therefore, the statement that Roe v. Wade declared abortion illegal is incorrect.

The statement is incorrect because ethics and morals are often used interchangeably and can have different meanings depending on the context. While ethics generally refers to a set of principles or values that guide behavior, morals typically pertain to personal beliefs about right and wrong. Therefore, the distinction between what we do and what we ought to do is not accurate in defining ethics and morals.

Ethics is concerned with what is considered normative, meaning it involves the principles or rules that guide our behavior and actions. These norms are considered absolute, indicating that they are universally applicable and not subject to personal opinions or cultural variations. Ethics provides a framework of standards that individuals use to organize their lives and make decisions about what is right or wrong.

The correct answer is "quality of life." This refers to a new ethic that is replacing the traditional Judeo-Christian ethic. This new ethic places relative value on human beings, prioritizing the overall well-being and satisfaction of individuals rather than adhering to absolute moral principles. This shift reflects a changing societal perspective on what is considered important and valuable in determining the worth of human life.

This course discussed four models identifying how Christians should relate to culture. The Separational Model suggests that Christians should completely separate themselves from the culture and avoid any interaction with it. The Ethical Model emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral standards and making ethical choices within the culture. The Transformational Model focuses on actively working to transform the culture by bringing about positive change and influencing it for the better. The Incarnational Model suggests that Christians should fully engage with the culture, immersing themselves in it while still maintaining their Christian beliefs and values. The Identificational Model emphasizes the importance of identifying with the culture and its people, understanding their perspectives and experiences, and working alongside them for mutual understanding and growth.