SITUATION ETHICS Does the Bible support the idea of situaiton ethics?

3 Schools of Thought Nihilism – There is no God. Anything you want to do is permitted. There are no rules. Relativism – All conduct is relative to the circumstance. Each individual must decide. Absolutism – There is an absolute, objective standard of right and wrong.

2 Catagories Atheistic situationists – those who totally reject Scripture as being an authority for our moral code Religious situationists – includes those who claim the Bible teaches and endorses situation ethics

Atheistic situationists Humanist Manitfestos I & II – « We affirm that moral values derive their source from human experience. Ethics is autonomous and situational, needing no theological or ideological sanction. » In this view – There is never a situation in which man could do wrong.

Religious situationists Joseph Fletcher, in 1966 claimed that situation ethics is a balance between antinomianism (no law) and legalism (bound by law). He taught that « love » is the sole factor in making moral judgments.

Religious situationists Problems with this view 1.Self-contradictory – No rules. Under no law. No absolutes. But the law of love is absolute. 2.Subjective – I decide what is loving and for whom it is loving. 3.Flawed – Imagine playing a football game – only rule is « fairness. »

Is Situational Ethics Biblical? Some claim that the Bible endorses and supports this view. Two examples are given in an attempt to show this. Rahab lied to protect the spies David ate from the table of shewbread

Is Situational Ethics Biblical? Rahab lied to protect the spies Recording the event does not mean that God approved Lying is condemned (Revelation 21:8) She is honored for her FAITH, not her lying. (Hebrews 11:31) Nowhere does the Bible approve her false story.

Is Situational Ethics Biblical? 3 But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Matthew 12:3-4

Is Situational Ethics Biblical? Here is the argument of Jesus: 1.You revere David as a great king 2.David clearly broke the law 3.Yet, you never condemn him 4.My disciples have only violated your human traditions and you charge them with sin. 5.How inconsistent!

Is Situational Ethics Biblical? Both of these examples fail to show that God approves of their unlawful actions. Those who attempt to employ this narrative in defense of situationism simply have missed the force of the Master’s argument.

Conclusion Situation Ethics is a popular belief in a world rejecting God The Bible does not approve this concept God has revealed to us what is best for us. – Our challenge is to obey God. – Follow the moral code of conduct in the Bible.