Christian utilitarianism. Lesson 3: Utilitarianism : Frontline Study 2022-10-21

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Christian utilitarianism is a philosophical approach to ethics that combines the principles of Christian theology with the ethical theory of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being, often referred to as "utility." It is based on the idea that the moral value of an action is determined by its consequences, and that the right action is the one that leads to the greatest overall good for the greatest number of people.

Christian utilitarianism combines these principles with the teachings of Christianity, which emphasize the value of love, compassion, and concern for the well-being of others. This approach to ethics maintains that the Christian faith requires its followers to act in ways that promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people, while also recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

One way in which Christian utilitarianism can be applied is through the concept of "agape," which refers to selfless, unconditional love for others. This type of love is central to the Christian faith and is often seen as the highest form of love. In the context of Christian utilitarianism, agape can be seen as the driving force behind actions that promote the well-being of others, even if it requires personal sacrifice or the acceptance of some level of suffering.

Another aspect of Christian utilitarianism is the belief in the inherent value and dignity of every person. This is reflected in the Christian commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself," which calls on believers to treat others with the same respect and consideration that they would want for themselves. In the context of utilitarianism, this means that the well-being and happiness of every individual should be taken into account when determining the moral value of an action.

One criticism of Christian utilitarianism is that it may prioritize the well-being of the majority over the needs of individual members of a community. For example, if the well-being of the majority can be maximized by sacrificing the well-being of a small minority, Christian utilitarianism may justify such an action. However, proponents of this approach argue that Christian utilitarianism can be balanced with other ethical principles, such as the inherent value of every individual, to prevent such situations from occurring.

In conclusion, Christian utilitarianism is an approach to ethics that combines the principles of Christian theology with the ethical theory of utilitarianism. It emphasizes the value of love, compassion, and concern for the well-being of others, while also recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. While it may face criticism for potentially prioritizing the well-being of the majority over the needs of individuals, proponents argue that it can be balanced with other ethical principles to ensure a just and fair society.

God, Utilitarianism & Deontological Ethics

christian utilitarianism

No matter how much it may advance, scientific inquiry cannot tell you which ends to pursue or how to resolve the conflicts between them. The legalist is like the Pharisees in the time of Jesus who had all sorts of laws and regulations but no heart. Finally, utilitarianism assumes that truth comes through our senses and does not need to rely on a source. As such, our actions can be deemed good or bad according to whether we are living in line with his divine decrees. The Holy Triune God of the Bible is our end goal. Utilitarianism says that ultimate moral rule is to promote the greatest happiness of greatest number.

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Utilitarianism: The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

christian utilitarianism

They were the kind of self-assured chaps so common in the nineteenth century who took the fruits of centuries of Christian moral formation for granted even as they cheerfully chopped down the tree that thad borne them. Take a survey, talk to people, whatever gives them maximum pleasure is moral, whatever gives them maximum pain is immoral. That is a value judgment. Kerby Anderson examines the problems with this ethical system, and evaluates it from a biblical perspective. Table of contents Compare and Contrast Utilitarianism with Christian Ethics The ethical teachings and values of utilitarianism and Christian ethics are similar in some aspects, yet however are diverse in others.

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Jesus & John Stuart Mill: The Folly of Utilitarianism

christian utilitarianism

We make most of our financial decisions writing checks, buying merchandise, etc. Mill did not seem to be anything like a typical christian. We want to glorify Him on this earth and in the age to come. Treat others as an end, not as a means. EDUCATION is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty. John Stuart Mill took such an approach.


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Christian utilitarianism

christian utilitarianism

I am definitely not qualified to do that. In a gang rape, all men around the female victim derive lot of pleasure. Individual liberty should be promoted as long as it does not jeopardize the liberty of others, as long as it does not harm others. Which majority decides the morality? Copernicus would not have proposed his heliocentric theory had he based it on the pleasure for majority. Still, Sandel reminds us we tend to measure consequences when it comes to large numbers.

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Lesson 3: Utilitarianism : Frontline Study

christian utilitarianism

Martin Luther King Jr wanted to have liberty to move freely in America. If that were so, then Hitler could justify the Holocaust because the end was to purify the human race. In demanding the God listen one expresses confidence that God is ultimately present in pain and suffering and the duty of the community is to stand with those who protest and to bear their burden as their own and not to complain it away. And his PhD dissertation was all about this kind of utilitarianism. They refuse to acknowledge the real implication of life being infinitely insignificant. Whose values are better? In the decline of a culture, the revival of the religion which gave life to that culture is sought for the sake of staving off death, though the civilization had been a by-product of religious concern.

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The Problems with Utilitarian Christianity

christian utilitarianism

The use of religion for the sake of healing mental illness differs from its use in the effort to heal physical diseases; but in either case religion, the worship of God, is a means to an end. The use of religion for the sake of healing mental illness differs from its use in the effort to heal physical diseases; but in either case religion, the worship of God, is a means to an end. Not a bad thought, right? According to Fletcher, the law of love requires the greatest love for the greatest number of people in the long run. There is nothing here to which one can point and say, "This is the demonstration of what Christianity can do for man. Through his celebrated books, A System of Logic and On Liberty , he left his mark on many issues in politics, science, human rights, economics, psychology, philosophy and ethics. Compared to them, Lenin was an amateur. He built it on ancient hedonism which pursued physical pleasure and avoided physical pain.

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Utilitarianism

christian utilitarianism

He insulated him from other kids. Many value-systems have claimed the authority of science. It depends on individual interpretation. Science cannot close the gap between facts and values. To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Can we find any objectivity on these scales? I am thus one of the very few examples, in this country, of one who has, not thrown off religious belief, but never had it: I grew up in a negative state with regard to it. Through scripture we note that God has nothing against happiness if this happiness is in conformity to His word e,g as depicted in the beatitudes.

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Compare And Contrast Utilitarianism With Christian Ethics Essay Example

christian utilitarianism

And while some such as California and New York are solidly blue states, others such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania--the toss-up states that swung the election to Trump in 2016--are not. But they wanted it under God. Every position I take should be utilitarian, including freedom. Moreover, the context of love varies from situation to situation and certainly varies from culture to culture. The best society, the best government, or best institutions are those which brought the greatest happiness to the greatest number. Sacrificing the utility of the few for the utility of the many doesn't sound like a Christian belief and that's where I was a little hindered. Paul Kattupalli MD is a physician, a medical missionary and a Christian apologist.


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