utilitarianism vs Christian ethics

• Christian ethics

  • Underpinned by a belief that moral standards are set by God
  • Emphasise the need for sound motivation for action
• Utilitarianism

  • Atheistic by nature
  • Consequentialist in nature
  • Suggests that right is whatever produces the best outcome for the most people
• Christian ethics

  Believe that actions have an eschatological impact
• Utilitarianism

  Only takes earthly consequences into consideration
• Christian ethics

  Tend to be deontological in nature
• Utilitarianism

  Actions are neither intrinsically right nor wrong
• Christian ethics

  Actions are intrinsically right or wrong
• Christian ethics and utilitarianism

  Will produce conflicting opinions on what is morally right e.g. homosexual marriage
• Christians

  Can align themselves with rule utilitarianism, which has the harm principle and aims to uphold justice
• Christians

  Are called to act according to the Golden Rule principle, which is fitting with the utilitarian ethic
• Utilitarianism

  Insists that the absolute principle of happiness/usefulness is applied
• Situation Ethics

  Is a form of utilitarianism, which promotes the most loving course of action - this seems fitting with Jesus model of compassion and mercy to others