Ethics and Morals HRE 40 Unit 4 Mr. Carney

Morality and Ethics Morality is understanding the distinction between right and wrong and living according to that understanding Ethics is the philosophy of how that morality guides individual and group behavior http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the- difference-between-morality-and-ethics

Suffering Why do we suffer? Freewill vs. everything happens for a reason? If there is a God, why does ‘it’ let us suffer?

Christian / Catholic Understanding God does not like suffering Guideline after guideline is given in the Bible – each presents a method for ‘right living’ Ex. 10 Commandments, Beatitudes, Parables of Jesus, etc Does God want us to suffer then? No – we are given the ability to end suffering We are also given the ability to promote and sustain suffering

Why do bad things happen to good people? Rabbi Kushner authored the famous book ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ In his conclusion, he states that we basically do not have the answers, and that pain and tragedy are a necessary consequence of a world over which God does not exercise complete control.

Kushner continued… God, in Kushner's view, created the world and provides the foundation of moral principle. But God cannot quite control the world that has been created. God hopes for our good and sympathizes with us in our pain, but is powerless to do anything about it – because we have been given freewill

Suffering Continued… Suffering is that it is part of a process of self-development ― in effect a process of birth of the self. Though we would never choose intense suffering for ourselves, faith that it is part of a growth process can take away, if not the pain, at least some of its sting.

The Christian / Catholic Call In light of the existence of suffering, Catholics believe that it we are all obligated to minister to those around us Every biblical guideline meets this standard of living, and encourages us to educate ourselves, and seek opportunities to help those in need. This is done through service, reflection, prayer, etc. The call then, encompasses every aspect of our lives – and is completely relevant to any society – modern or historic.

S.T.O.P Search out the Facts Addressing the who, what, when, where, why, and how is the beginning to making the moral decision.

‘S’earch out the facts What is right and wrong? Search out the facts: WHAT? Know what you are talking about. What do you propose to do? What is moral object? What is it that you are deciding? (i.e. intention) What are the circumstances?  WHY? What are my motives? Or WHY am I doing this? Why do I propose to act this way?  WHO? Who is involved? What is their situation or responsibility?  WHEN? The timing of the action can affect the morality of it.  HOW? The means used to bring about the desired action:

‘T’hinking After searching out the facts, we must think about the ALTERNATIVES and the CONSEQUENCES; it is necessary to reflect upon the basic facts before making a decision.  ALTERNATIVES: Consider the variety of way to approach the problem. CONSEQUENCES: Reflect on the consequences of each alternative.

‘O’thers How will an act affect other people? Christians believe that we live for others. By consulting other we are able to get a second opinion, etc. Don’t just consult with anyone: The person should have our best interest at heart and always remember that a true friend will “level” with us and not just tell us what we want to hear.  

‘P’rayer Put yourself consciously in the presence of the Lord.   4 Ways To Pray: Pray with others; Meditation with or without Scripture; Reflect upon the events in our lives; Ask for things in God’s name