Discussion Points - Agape
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 2.2.4
Is Fletcher's Agape a Religious or Non-Religious Concept?
This debate looks at whether Fletcher's concept of agape is religious or whether it is non-religious, and just wanting the best for others in situations.
Agape is religious
- Situation ethics is linked to both the Golden Rule of Jesus (which outlines that we should ‘treat others as we would like to be treated’) and the teaching of St. Paul, who clearly outlined in his letter to the Corinthians that love was the most important virtue.
- Jesus regularly put love above the law, particularly when he healed a man on the Sabbath – the Jewish day of rest, on which it was strictly forbidden to undertake any form of work.
Situation ethics is relative
- Situation ethics is an approach that is relative to the situation - unlike the Catholic Church, which has set guidelines and teachings that should be upheld.
- The Catholic Church sets out the laws and guidance for Catholics to follow, whereas situation ethics is individualistic. The Church teachings are based on a hierarchy, instituted by the Pope and the Cardinals, not each individual’s own opinion.
Sanctity of life example
- For example, the Catholic Church has very clear rules regarding the sanctity of life (the idea that life is holy and belongs to God).
- In this respect, the Catholic Church would always view the ending of human life by another human as wrong.
- Situation ethics, on the other hand, would make this decision relative to the situation.
Test yourself on Discussion Points - Agape
What's the Golden Rule of Jesus?
What Biblical evidence is there to support the idea that agape is religious?