Christian moral principles

• What is the main topic of this study material?

  The source of moral principles for Christians
• What are the three main views on moral authority in Christianity?

  • Heteronomy: Authority from Church, Bible, and reason
  • Theonomy: Authority from God via the Bible
  • Autonomy: Individuals determine right and wrong
• What does heteronomy refer to in Christian moral principles?

  Moral authority from Church, Bible, and reason
• What is the Catholic view of moral authority?

  It comes from Church, Bible, and reason
• What is the basis of apostolic succession in the Catholic Church?

  It claims authority from Jesus' apostles
• Who are considered the apostles in Christianity?

  Jesus' disciples and early followers
• What did Jesus command his disciples regarding their mission?

  To make disciples of all nations
• What authority did Jesus give to the apostles?

  To preach what they learned from Him
• How does the Catholic Church view the relationship between tradition and scripture?

  Both are closely connected and equally authoritative
• What does the Magisterium of the Catholic Church claim?

  It alone can interpret the word of God
• What does the document Dei Verbum state about Sacred Scripture?

  It is the word of God written under divine inspiration
• What is the role of the Church according to Dei Verbum?

  To interpret and explain the word of God
• How does the Catholic Church view the sale of indulgences?

  As a corrupt practice for financial gain
• What was Luther's critique of the sale of indulgences?

  It was a fabrication for profit
• What did Luther argue about the pope's wealth?

  He should use it to build St. Peter's Basilica
• How do Catholics respond to accusations of Church corruption?

  They acknowledge human flaws but uphold authority
• What is the Protestant view on the Church's authority?

  It has been compromised by corruption
• What is Natural Law ethics according to Aquinas?

  Humans use reason to understand God's ethics
• What do Protestants believe about human reason after the fall?

  It is corrupted and unreliable for ethics
• What did Aquinas believe about human reason and God?

  It cannot fully understand God but supports faith
• How does Barth critique Aquinas' natural law theory?

  It overrelies on human reason, making revelation unnecessary
• What does Tillich argue about the natural moral law?

  It is essential for understanding human nature
• What is the concept of Sola Scriptura?

  Bible alone is the source of moral principles
• Who is associated with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers?

  Luther
• What are the implications of the priesthood of all believers?

  • All individuals have equal status before God
  • Challenges the Catholic hierarchy
  • Encourages personal interpretation of scripture
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Catholic view on moral authority?

  Strengths:

  • Apostolic succession provides continuity
  • Tradition and scripture are interlinked

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Accusations of corruption
  • Reliance on human authority
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Protestant view on moral authority?

  Strengths:

  • Emphasis on scripture alone
  • Reduces reliance on potentially corrupt institutions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Potential for individual misinterpretation
  • Lack of unified authority
• What is Sola Scriptura?

  It is the belief that the Bible alone is the source of Christian moral principles.
• Why is Sola Scriptura typically a Protestant view?

  Because Luther believed the Catholic Church was corrupt.
• How did Luther view the role of the Church in relation to the Bible?

  The Church should merely preach the Bible.
• What does the Catholic view state about sacred tradition and sacred scripture?

  Both have equal validity in moral authority.
• What did Luther say about a layman armed with Scripture?

  He is greater than the mightiest pope without it.
• What is the priesthood of all believers according to Luther?

  All people have the status of priest.
• What does 1 Timothy 2:5 state about mediation?

  Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity.
• How is the authority of the Bible derived?

  From its discernible excellence and religious experience.
• What does 'Ru-ach' refer to in the context of the Bible?

  God's breath that inspired the authors.
• Is Sola Scriptura explicitly mentioned in the Bible?

  No, it is not mentioned in the Bible.
• What contradiction arises from the belief in Sola Scriptura?

  It cannot be derived from scripture itself.
• When were the books of the New Testament decided upon?

  In the 4th century by Catholic clergy.
• What does the Protestant response suggest about the Holy Spirit and the Bible?

  The Holy Spirit influenced the Bible's creation.