Metodes in die Christelike etiek

Abstract

Methods in Christian ethics
The basic question in Christian ethics is not primarily ‘What should I do?’ The basic question is rather ‘How should I know what I should do?’ This article describes two methods, namely, the inductive and the deductive methods as existing answers to the ‘how’ question. Due to criticism on these methods a symbiotic method is proposed as an alternative answer. The theological point of departure is that God and man exist symbiotic, that is co-existent to each other. The conclusion reached from this point of departure, is that the relationship between God and man, Scripture and the situation is of reflective nature and should therefore be accepted as being part of the method used in Christian ethics.