Absolute and relative morality
Absolute morality
If you believe in absolute morality you will have faith that there is a right course of action to take in a moral dilemma, which is true in all situations regardless of culture, religious tradition, time or age.
How would a follower of this sort of morality respond to the commandment Do not kill
? They would try to make sure that they were not involved in any killing, which would affect their views on issues such as war and euthanasia. They would say that these actions are wrong in all circumstances.
Relative morality
If you believe in relative moralityDifferent courses of action might be needed in different situations. you would agree that different courses of action might be needed in different situations.
How would a follower of this sort of morality respond to the commandment Do not kill
? They would agree that killing is wrong. However, they would look at a range of other issues as well and might say that killing is necessary in a particular situation.
Conscience
Virtues
To become a morally good person the Christian Church teaches that individuals should become virtuousHaving good or moral characteristics or qualities.. This means adopting virtues which allow the person to develop attitudes and habits that result in good moral decisions being made. The Church teaches that there are seven virtues made up of four cardinal virtuesThe basic four virtues required to lead a life of virtue. They are temperance, justice, prudence and fortitude/courage. and three theological virtueA good or moral characteristic or quality, that is associated with the study of God..
The four Cardinal Virtues are:
- Prudence 鈥 saying and acting in the appropriate manner, at the appropriate time
- Justice 鈥 seeks equality, rewards goodness and punishes evil
- Fortitude 鈥 courage and perseverance to do what is good and right
- Temperance 鈥 moderation, having fun whilst avoiding sin, finding the 鈥榤iddle road鈥
The three Theological Virtues are:
- Faith 鈥 gift of belief in God
- Hope 鈥 desire and trust in the afterlife with God
- Charity 鈥 love of God and love of neighbour
These virtues differ from the Cardinal Virtues as they are received as a gift from God.
Sin
According to the Christian faith, sin can be defined as going against the will of God. But sin and crime are not necessarily always the same thing.
Many acts that a religion might class as a sin would not be considered a crime under law.