2.2.4
Is Fletcher's Agape a Religious or Non-Religious Concept?
This debate looks at whether Fletcher's concept of agape is religious or whether it is non-religious, and just wanting the best for others in situations.
Agape is religious
- Situation ethics is linked to both the Golden Rule of Jesus (which outlines that we should ‘treat others as we would like to be treated’) and the teaching of St. Paul, who clearly outlined in his letter to the Corinthians that love was the most important virtue.
- Jesus regularly put love above the law, particularly when he healed a man on the Sabbath – the Jewish day of rest, on which it was strictly forbidden to undertake any form of work.
Situation ethics is relative
- Situation ethics is an approach that is relative to the situation - unlike the Catholic Church, which has set guidelines and teachings that should be upheld.
- The Catholic Church sets out the laws and guidance for Catholics to follow, whereas situation ethics is individualistic. The Church teachings are based on a hierarchy, instituted by the Pope and the Cardinals, not each individual’s own opinion.
Sanctity of life example
- For example, the Catholic Church has very clear rules regarding the sanctity of life (the idea that life is holy and belongs to God).
- In this respect, the Catholic Church would always view the ending of human life by another human as wrong.
- Situation ethics, on the other hand, would make this decision relative to the situation.
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Jump to other topics
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered
