1. A Look at Situation Ethics

2. Definition of Situation Ethics The popular philosophy founded by Joseph Fletcher that states that right and wrong always depend on the situation. This way, any law can be broken in a certain situation, as long as love is the main intention of the person in that situation.

3. Example A German woman is in a Russian prison camp near the close of World War II. Her husband and children are safe, but are in great need of her attentions. She knows that by seducing a guard, she could become pregnant, making herself a liability to the camp, and she would be able to return home. Would it be right to commit adultery in this situation?

4. A Situationist would try to tell us that the woman loved her family so much, that “Sacrificial Adultery” would be acceptable. What about the guard and his family? If it was right to commit such an act in one situation, would it be right to commit it in similar situations?

5. Why is Situation Ethics popular? People are trying to find a proper excuse for their acts of ungodliness. Belief in this philosophy would tell you that you are not accountable for anything in bad circumstances. There is no firm standard of right and wrong. (Judges 17:6) Contradicts the Bible, and leads to Sin! (Galatians 5:19-25)

6. What’s wrong about Situation Ethics? We do not have the power to decide on what is right and wrong! (Jeremiah 10:23) Sin never leads anyone to God (2 Samuel 6:6-7) God's law does not change (Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17) A man who lives by this worldly philosophy would not want others to live such a life, when he suffers by their decisions! No situation can force us to sin. James (1:12-15)

7. Final thoughts We’ll never be in perfect circumstances all the time, we will suffer from time to time making the right choices. There has never been a proper excuse for disobeying God (Acts 5:29) God can deliver us out of any situation that we will face in this lifetime (Genesis 41: 38-43) It is better to suffer or die for the glory of God, than to compromise the truth. (Revelation 2:9- 10)