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Discussion Board Forum 1 – Thread

Topic: Relativism vs. Absolutism

Thread: After studying the Reading & Study materials, compose a 500-600 word argument that is objective, carefully-constructed, and free of emotion (and hence it should not contain any exclamation points) in support of your opinion about ethical relativism and Christian ethics. Formulate your argument by answering the following questions:

Is Christian ethics relativistic or absolutist? Explain your answer.

What, if any, are the differences between ethical relativism and the subjective aspects of Christian ethics?

For question 1, answer whether Christian ethics is relativistic or absolutist. First, you should define relativism and absolutism. Don’t simply re-state the reading, but provide an explanation of relativism and absolutism using your own words but also showing that you did the reading and understand the issues. Present the strengths and weaknesses of relativism and how these compare to absolutism. Here you should bring into play the arguments that are discussed in the assigned reading in chapter two of our textbook, Moral Reasoning. You should also incorporate the introduction from our Biblical Ethics textbook. You must read these chapters carefully. Some of the arguments for relativism presented in Moral Reasoning are eventually rejected as fallacious. The more cogent arguments are not presented until the second half of the chapter, where the author sides with the overwhelming majority of ethicists in concluding that ethical relativism is false. You may also read ahead to chapters 8 and 9 in Moral Reasoning, where the author presents a Christian ethic, and you may also consult outside sources. Whichever side you take on the issue, please treat both sides with respect.

For question 2, explain the differences between ethical relativism and the subjective elements in Christian ethics. In addition to the textbooks and academic sources, you are encouraged to incorporate important biblical passages such as Romans 14-15