Situation ethics - legalism and antinomianism

What did Aleister Crowley say

"The way of mystery is to break all the rules - but you have to know them perfectly before you can do this otherwise you are in no position to transcend them"

Strengths of situation ethics

- He used others to influence the composition of his theory which means he has enough evidence to support situation ethics. - The propositions promote love and respect for others which could lead to a more harmonious society - The presumptions naturally make a person choose the right decision as they make a person self reflect which could lead to good choices. - He doesn't believe in a conscience which encourages people to take moral responsibility and not blame it on a conscience. - It has both aspects of legalism and antinomianism.

What is antinomianism

- Rejects any rules and laws and focuses on having total freedom of action - Doesn't imply an ethical system at all - Libral christians believe according to the gospels that they should not be bound by laws that were set in the old testament

Weaknesses of situation ethics

- The presumptions implies that people should make predictions which may not always be right. - The fact that Fletcher denies a conscience means that he doesn't take into account individual situations such as mental issues, cultural, upbringing etc... these are all things that can effect a decision someone makes - Borrowing of others work may cause issues to raise and say that the evidence is really outdated - Some say that it leads more towards legalism as there are still quite a few rules and is very demanding like legalism - Others say that it leans more towards antinomianism as situation ethics is a secular approach and does not have to be absolutely like antinomiansim

Advantages of legalism

-if the rules are fair it could lead to encouraging society to become more harmonious -application of rules are straightforward as if they are not followed there will be punishment -many religions fall into the category of legalism which means that there are scriptures to back up the theory of legalism -they have a absolute and a deontological approach

Disadvantages of legalism

-runs into problems when life's complexities requires additional rules e.g. murder is prohibited but then there needs to be a different in establishing murder and self defence -this means that they would either need to be included within the laws or new laws need to be made to fit them -always have to refer back to the theory to see whether something is wrong or right - difficult to follow FLETCHER REJECTS LEGALISM AND SO DOES JESUS "woe to you scribes and pharisees, hypocrites!" Because you shut off the kingdom of heaven for people, for you do not enter it yourself and you do not allow those who are entering to go in" Matthew 23:13

Strengths of antinomiansim

Gives them freedom to make decisions based on the situations that they are in. Concerned with the intentions of the actions rather than blindly following rules. Encourages personal responsibility.

Weaknesses of antinomianism

Lack of moral rules causes problems and manipulation Fletcher said "it is literally unprincipled" he rejects this theory because he believes that some guidance and rules are still needed to prevent immoral doings Without guidance everyone would lose the meaning of the moral and what it means to be moral which could cause a chaotic society

What is legalism?

Legalism has a set of prefabricated rules and morals. In legalism the situation doesn't matter at all when making a decision. It is bound by religion, society and political beliefs