Freedom and morality are two interrelated concepts that everyone has an opinion about. From a Christian perspective, we limit our freedom based on our received moral code. We believe that the restrictions the bible provides us are for our good; They are not the result of a capricious deity's arbitrary or stifling whims. In fact, we believe that the limits God places on our freedom lead to the best human flourishing available in our fallen world. After thinking through Christian freedom, we'll delve into the much more important question of moral motivation. Most people believe in right and wrong, but many of us lack the drive to chose the good over the convenient or self-serving course of action. In this episode we'll survey some of the popular moral systems out there, including classic systems such as virtue ethics, categorical imperatives, and utilitarianism as well as religious systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. Although we'll only scratch the surface, I hope you will find this approach useful when conversing with people who call into question your Christian moral commitments.

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

This is part 9 of the Why Christianity class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D8wiyxxJOw

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Jesus Explains Morality------------------------Mark 12:29-3129 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

5 Biblical Reasons To Do the Right Thing----------------------------------------1. fear of God (Deuteronomy 6:1-2)2. duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 17:10)3. personal/communal benefits/detriments (Psalm 7:14-16; Galatians 6:7-8)4. love (1 John 4:9-11)5. prophetic witness (1 Corinthians 6:1-3)

Other Worldviews-----------------1. Atheisma. Virtue Ethicsb. Deontological Ethicsc. Teleological Ethics

2. Hinduisma. karma, rebirth

3. Buddhisma. life is suffering, eliminate desires

4. Islama. five pillarsb. Yawm al-Qiyamah