1. Situation ethics
Outcomes: Outline the social , cultural and ethical background to Situation ethics
Explain J A T Robinsons theory of situation ethics
Evaluate the impact of his theory at the time

2. Research
Using the ipads, What significant events were taking place in the late 60’s early 70’s in UK and USA?
What kind of music was popular?
How did people dress?
How was life changing for young people?
Be ready to feeback

3. Key questions
Is moral behaviour about following rules or working things out for ourselves?
Are there unbreakable laws to govern moral behaviour, or should we make our own moral decisions?
Is abortion for health reasons just as bad as abortion for convenience?
Are there ever any situations when you should ignore established moral rules?
When deciding what is right, should the situation be taken into account?

4. Background to the theory
You are to read through the hand out and then answer the questions that are with it.
You can discuss answers in pairs as you write them down
We will then discuss the reading together

5. Social and cultural background
Situation ethics came out of the changes taking place in the 60’s and 70’s such as:
Women in workforce
USA- Vietnam war
Kennedy’s assassination
Martin Luther King Jnr/ civil rights movement
Contraceptive pill
Sexual revolution
Teenager, hippy and student culture

6. Ethical Background
The increasingly liberal values were conflicting those of the Church
Young people especially were challenging the Church and going against authority
People felt they could decide for themselves the right way to behave and didn’t need strict rules

7. J A T Robinson
A theologian who taught at Cambridge University
He was later ordained and made the Bishop of Woolwich
In his book Honest to God (1963) he attempted to develop a Christian ethics that was both true to Christianity and accessible and relevant to the time
It was very different from other Christian teachings and caused controversy at the time
How do you think if differs from traditional Christian teachings?

8. ‘Man come of age’
The theory he developed has been called ‘man come of age’ – which falls under the broader umbrella of SE
This means to become a mature adult and take on certain responsibilities
An ethic for this means that the moral agent is mature enough to make decisions themselves using judgement and reasoning and take responsibility for the actions
Giving freedom and respect to individuals to decide what is the right thing to do
What kind of ethical theory do you think this is? Discuss and feedback

9. Agape
Robinson felt that the legalistic approach of divine command ethics*was no longer necessary and a misconception of the ethics Jesus taught
The love Jesus commanded was ‘love thy neighbour as thyself’ Matthew 22:38
Agape is love that should be shown regardless of whether you like the other person or not.

10. Agape
Agape is love that should be shown regardless of whether you like the other person or not.
It is not about developing a personal relationship or love in the personal sense but about having the right attitude towards others
Its about expecting nothing in return for your actions but doing it because your faith leads you to know it is right to show love
Read the parable of the Good Samaritan(Luke 10:25-37) what does it tell you about being a good neighbour? What do you think Jesus meant by love?
How can this be used to support what Robinson is saying?

11. Application
Following Robinsons rule of agape what would he do in the following situations:
Sadistic guard
Premarital sex
Abortion
Homosexual relationships
What conclusions did you come to?
Do these challenge the traditional Church teachings? If so how?

12. Debate
Robinsons situation ethics is a better model for moral decision making compared to utilitarianism
2 teams you are to formulate arguments to present to the other team
You need to prepare a short opening statement on your argument
Then be prepared to answer questions