ETHICAL SCENARIO

NSEC 502 Ethical Scenario Sample

NSEC 502

ETHICAL SCENARIO PAPER ASSIGNMENT

GUIDELINES & SAMPLE PAPER

AN DECISION-MAKING PROCESS[footnoteRef:1] [1:
]

· COLLECT/EXAMINE all the facts surrounding/affecting the situation carefully. Is/are the source(s)credible? Take time to get fully informed. Does the situation require an ethical judgment?

?

· THE BIBLE

· PRAY FOR GOD’s WISDOM & DIRECTION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight.” Deuteronomy 6:18

· SEEK COUNSEL FROM GODLY PEOPLE: Talk with at least one mature Christian that you trust, respect, and admire.
· Listen to your conscience: If it has been developed well, it will help you detect whether things are right or wrong.
· LEARN FROM OTHERS & AVOID RATIONALIZATIONS

· Is it clearly right or wrong? Does it violate any ethical absolutes (e.g., “Thou shalt not murder.”), ethical principles (e.g., Honesty) or precepts (e.g., “Do not lie, cheat or steal” Ex 20:15,16), virtues/values (e.g., prudence, love [agape]).

· Is it a situation that includes conflict between two or more ethical absolutes, principles, precepts & virtues/values? Consider/analyze the ethical absolutes, principles, precepts, and virtues/values at stake. Love for God vs. love for people? Love for people vs. things?

· What are the consequences? Are there creative alternatives?

· Commit to God’s way—no matter what.

· Trust in God’s provision & protection.

· Doing what’s right can lead to suffering.

· God promises that your suffering will lead to glory at the proper time (1 Pet 4:19).

ETHICAL SCENARIO FORMAT & STRUCTURE

1.
What is the background for this ethical dilemma? Tell the decision-maker (or describe yourself) what he/she needs to know to decide. Provide a brief history of the issue and a summary of the narrative. Don’t tell the decision maker what he/she likely already knows. This section should be less than one (1) page.

2.
Collect/examined all the facts surrounding/affecting the situation carefully. Is/are the source(s)credible? Take time to get fully informed. Does it require additional factual discovery? In other words, there are two major questions that need to be answered: “What do we know?” and “What do we need to know?” Does the situation likely require an ethical judgment? What is/are the ethical dilemma(s)? This section could be one (1) page or more depending on the scenario.

3.

Seek wisdom from the Bible. Provide some Bible verses that talk to dealing with wisdom and making ethical decisions. Pray to God for wisdom and discernment and pray for direction from the Holy Spirit. Some information and insights from both Rae (2018) and Tyra (2015) could be helpful here. This section should be no more than several paragraphs.

4. (H)elp from Others: Seek counsel from godly Christians. Talk with at least one mature believer that you trust, respect and admire. This may be a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, pastor, professor or close friend. Listen to your conscience. If it has been developed well, it will help you detect whether things are right or wrong. Learn from others and avoid rationalizations. Some of the rationalizations to avoid include: 1) Everyone does it; 2) It’s the way the system operates. It is all part of the job; 3) Once I get promoted–I will fix the system; 4) It is legal and permissible, so it is proper. This section should be no more than several paragraphs.

5.

This section looks at both deontological and virtue ethics and/or virtue theory. Is it clearly right or wrong? Does it violate any ethical absolutes (e.g., “Thou shalt not murder.”), ethical principles (e.g., honesty) or precepts (e.g., “Do not lie, cheat or steal.” Ex 20:15-16), virtues/values (e.g., prudence, agape, justice, kindness). Is it a situation that includes a real (or perceived) conflict between two or more ethical absolutes, principles, precepts & virtues/values? Consider/analyze the ethical absolutes, principles, precepts and virtues/values at stake. Determine the value hierarchy: 1) Love for God vs. love for people? 2) Love for people vs. things? This section would include key deontological principles of the Just War Theory (JWT) only if the scenario called for this assessment. This section is one of the most important sections of this paper and it should be at be about a one (1) page long.

6.

What are the consequences? How are the consequences used in light of the ethical principles, precepts, etc.? Are there creative alternatives? This the area where key prudential principles of Just War Theory (JWT) can be analyzed and assessed but only for scenarios that involve JWT. This section should be several paragraphs long.

7.
: In this section of your memo or memo outline, you should go beyond the listing but analyzing the parts to the whole and the whole to the parts. Evaluating key areas of the background, examination of facts, your assumptions (if any), bringing in godly wisdom and other spiritual tools, assessing the motives—yours and other moral actors. This section should focus on the delineation or assessment of the options and determine a decision. That includes determining and assessing the higher law or principles. Detailing how the consequences may impact your decision while assessing creatives (e.g., Daniel 1:11-13). Delineate the decision and/or decision(s). With your decision(s), there should be appropriate rationale (i.e., right action for the right reason) by justifying the action(s) with rationale, reasoning, critical thinking and implications for your (or others) character. Depending on the scenario, you may have to evaluate an organization instead of just an individual or individuals. This section should be close to 1-2 pages in length.

8.

Commit to God’s way—no matter what. Trust in God’s provision & protection. Doing what’s right can lead to suffering. God promises that your suffering will lead to glory at the proper time (1 Pet 4:19). This section may be a better place to discuss rationalizations instead of the “Help from Others” section.

9.
How should the recommendation be implemented? What can the decision maker do if the “recommended” option goes awry? What is/are the fallback position(s)? This should be 1-2 paragraphs in length.

10.
This is an optional section. Incorporating Other Aspects of the course that do not neatly fit into the other sections.

Ethical Scenario Paper Assignment: Sample Paper on Daniel 3

“John Smith”
Helm’s School of Government,

By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work, and not that of another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand I am responsible for knowing and correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines.

Daniel 1 starts off with King Nebuchadnezzar (KN) invading Judah and besieging Jerusalem. The Lord delivered Judah into his [KN] hand including some articles from the temple of God. Shortly thereafter, KN ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff: “…to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility” (Dan 1:3, JSB-NIV). Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (SM&A) were all related to King Zedekiah and were considered the cream of the crop (Hayley, 2007, pp. 395-396). Daniel and SM&A were among the first group of captives taken to Babylon from Jerusalem in 605 B.C. (Hayley, 2007). Daniel 1 talks about his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (SM&A), which were their new Babylonian names (Dan 1: 6, 7, JSB-NIV). KN puts Daniel and his friends through a vigorous training program of three years including the way to think like Babylonians, which some might call “brainwashing,” before they entered the king’s service (JSB-NIV, 2016). Daniel and his friends started off strong by refusing to follow the prescribed diet. By all accounts, Daniel was able to come up with a creative alternative with the guard overseeing them. After their appointed training, Daniel and SM&A were presented to KN who found none equal to Daniel and SM&A, “…he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom” (Dan 1:20, JSB-NIV).
Although the book of Daniel is considered an important prophetic book (chapters 7-12), it has some important ethical dilemmas that are instructive and relevant to Jews, Christians, and others. The focus of this ethical scenario is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (SM&A) and the fiery furnace in Daniel chapter 3. One of the first questions is where is Daniel when this is happening? The Bible does not say but it is very likely he was not in the area at the time (Geisler & Howe, 1992). Some critics of the Bible have suggested that Daniel must have acquiesced. However, there is no mention of him in chapter 3. It would also be inconsistent with Daniel’s character since Daniel had never demurred from taking any principled courageous stands. That evidence is recorded in chapters 1, 2, 4, and later in Daniel 6 when Daniel was sent to the lion’s den. Finally, the fiery furnace takes place after Daniel and his friends had been in Babylon for 20 years in 586 B.C.—the same year KN burned Jerusalem (Hayley, 2007).

Although we have only a summary of key facts regarding this story in the book of Daniel, it is enough to examine and evaluate the ethical dilemmas and the decisions made. When we examine the facts there are two primary questions: “What do we know?” and “What do we need to know?” (Rae, 2018, p.111). It is very likely that SM&A were in positions where they could find out all the facts and ask questions associated with this situation (i.e., What do we need to know?), and determine if the information and the sources were credible. It also appears that this situation happened over a period time, so getting informed was possible without a time crunch.
KN had a humungous image of gold built and set it up in Babylon. When it was complete, KN set a special ceremony where he then summoned all officials for the dedication of this idol. This requirement included SM&A (Dan 3:1-3). As soon as the music was to play, everyone was commanded to “…fall down and worship the image of gold…” and “Whoever does not fall down and worship will be immediately thrown into a blazing furnace” (Dan 3:5-6, JSB-NIV). When the appointed time came, SM&A stood while everyone else kneeled. Afterwards, their actions were reported to KN and SM&A were brought before him. KN repeated his command and gave SM&A an additional chance to fall down and worship the image but if they did not—they would be thrown into a blazing furnace.
For this scenario, there are several important verses regarding examining the facts: 1) “Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard (Prov.13:15, JSB-NIV). 2) He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame (Prov. 18:13). 3) Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it” (Luke 14:28, NIV, JSB). There does not appear to be any unwarranted assumptions or any false information (Geisler & Douglass, 2007).
The determination is that there is at least one major ethical dilemma—the decree from KN, the First [and for some the 2nd ] Commandment and the precept against the worship of any idol and the principles to put God first. There are some other key issues—personal integrity, obeying government, or other authority versus obeying God. In addition, SM&A would be publicly disobeying their boss while publicly embarrassing him, and very likely enduring the fate of the fiery furnace (i.e., death) unless God intervened.

An honest, sincere, and relentless pursuit of the truth is critically important and not an option for Jews or Christians. In addition, this is the time when the Scriptures should be studied and earnest prayer asking God for wisdom and discernment. The God-followers should be seeking to “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight” (Duet. 6:18, NIV, JSB). There are two major kinds of wisdom—the revealed wisdom found the Scriptures and natural wisdom which is God’s wisdom that is outside of Scripture (Rae, 2018). The book of Proverbs does an excellent job of connecting wisdom and moral guidance (Prov 2:1-22) while warning us not to make moral decisions based on our own instincts (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25, JSB-NIV). During the time before the ceremony and during the ceremony, it is likely that SM&A prayed to God for wisdom on what to do.
However, in this case I believe SM&A knew that it was in the “clearly right or wrong category” since the precepts and principles were unambiguously spelled out with no gray. The people of Israel were commanded to serve God and God alone (Ex 20:3-5, NIV). The worship of any idol was forbidden (Duet. 5: 7-10; 6:14-15, JSB-NIV).
Help from Others. Although this story has few details, God calls us to “seek counsel from godly Christians.” It is likely that SM&A talked to each other, but we do not know for sure. I am certain that if Daniel were around that they would have talked to him as well. Nevertheless, it is
good for us to talk with at least one mature believer that we trust, respect, and admire. This may be a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, pastor, professor, or close friend.
Listen to your conscience. If it has been developed well, it will help you detect whether things are right or wrong. Preparing the conscience and using it early in the ethical dilemma is critical because it “bears witness” between an outward action and the inner law (Romans 2: 14-15; Romans 9:1; Rehberg, 2018). Before a contemplated action is begun, there is a battle of the mind. What is harbored in the mind will soon become an action so the conscience needs to speak before an action takes place (Rehberg, 2018).
Learn from others and avoid rationalizations. It would be helpful to reflect on examples of others who were in similar situations that provide a positive example or exemplar for us to follow. SM&A had a number of historical examples that included Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David and the good prophets and kings from Israel and Judah. Some of the rationalizations to avoid in this scenario include: 1) Everyone does it. 2) It is the way the system operates. It is all part of the job. 3) Once I get promoted–I will fix the system. There is no doubt that an inoculation and other strategies are critically important to avoid these rationalizations.

KN puts Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in an ethical dilemma because there are a clear precepts about worshipping other Gods (i.e., 1st Commandment others the 1st & 2nd Commandments) and specific precepts about idol worship, and a command from KN, their boss, to be put first above all other gods—including the God Jehovah. The ethical absolute is the First Commandment:[footnoteRef:2] “You shall have no other gods before me” and “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them…” (Ex 20:3-5, NIV, JSB). [2: Depending on whether you are a Catholic, a Lutheran or other Protestant—the 10 Commandments are numbered differently. For Lutherans, the First Commandment includes the Second Commandment. For Catholics, the First Commandment is “You shall worship the Lord you God and Him only shall you serve” and the Second Commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me” (Ratzinger, 1994, pp. 505, 512). ]

KN puts SM&A in an ethical dilemma because he issues a decree, as their boss and the head of the government, to be put first. Some would call this the classic test of loyalties. Obedience to employers or government is commanded by God (Romans 13: 1-3, NIV, JSB) but it is not commanded when it conflicts with God’s absolutes and principles (See Appendix III) .
Both virtue ethics and deontological ethics are important (Rae, 2018; Tyra, 2015). The point is not ”being” versus just “doing.” In reality, when it comes to ethics, it is important to “be and to do” not one or the other. In addition to the absolutes, precepts and principles, there are some very important virtues, values and issues of character that are important to the SM&A ethical dilemma. The first is the cardinal virtue of prudence (also called the preeminent virtue) which is “…the ability to see the truth and act rightly” (Reed, 2001. p. 94). In addition, to prudence, the cardinal virtue of fortitude (i.e., courage) is paramount for this scenario. Without the virtue of fortitude, it is very unlikely that SM&A will follow-through on their decision. Finally, the theological virtue of faith is absolutely critical. “[C.S.] Lewis insisted that we define faith as an ‘intellectual virtue.’ It’s faith that enables us to persevere, holding to the truth of what we’ve known and experienced despite times of doubt and tides of misfortune [including a fiery furnace]” (Reed, 2001, p. 128). It is very difficult to find people that will literally risk their physical lives based on mere beliefs—it usually reserved for persons of strong faith.
In addition to the virtues, there is the question of the values of loyalty and integrity—both important but integrity being one of the apex values. However, the question of loyalty between boss and God is resolved quickly because in the hierarchy of loyalties—God is first. For many people misplaced loyalties become a major stumbling block and sometime “blind” people from doing the right thing. When it comes to the comprehensive value of integrity verses loyalty: “If your boss demands [only] loyalty, give him integrity. But if your boss demands integrity, then give him your loyalty” (John Boyd). Integrity is a state of wholeness, consistency, and sincerity, with no deception or pretense, a firm adherence to a code of moral values (i.e., incorruptible, honorable). Persons of integrity “walk their talk.” The Hebrew word for “integrity” in Proverbs 10:9; 13:6 & 29:10 is tom, which stems from the verb meaning “complete.” This word and others [similar] describe what is ethically sound or upright.
· Integrity will protect you. In Psalm 25, David prays that integrity and uprightness will protect him (Psalm 25:21, Proverbs 2:7-8, 10:9, 11:3, 13:6).
· Integrity is more valuable than riches (Proverbs 28:6).
· It may be difficult to maintain your integrity (Proverbs 29:10; Job 2:3, 2:9).
· Integrity will be rewarded (1 Kings 9:4-5, Nehemiah 7:2, Psalm 41:11-12).
· Your integrity should set an example (Titus 2:7).

When it comes to character: “The Gospels and Epistles never envision the moral life as simply doing the right thing—as the religious leaders emphasized—apart from developing character and virtue. The virtues centered on those of Christ, and the development of character was synonymous with becoming more like Christ” (Rae, 2018, p. 84).

For this example, there is little doubt about the intended consequences of KN’s decree for those who disobey—they would not only lose their jobs but their lives through a fiery furnace. Rae (2018) describes that although the wisdom literature contains a measure of utilitarian reasoning, it does not “…use utilitarianism as a self-sufficient system for discovering morality, but the foundation of principles is supplemented by appeal to consequences, a sue of both utilitarian and deontological methods” (p.70). In light of those consequences, those consequences did not override the principles and precepts, and SM&A they would lose their testimony and integrity. More importantly, they would lose their clear conscience before God (Acts 24:16).
The big question was God going to intervene in this situation? However, SM&A were not given any special prophecy on this matter. They knew God could deliver them but would he—the pertinent question was would they be faithful and obey. Certainly, they witnessed Daniel develop creative (or alternative) solutions, so it is likely they looked for those creative solutions. However, if KN’s goal could not be compromised and there was no better way to accomplish a wrong goal—they had no choice but to do the right thing and trust God (Geisler & Douglass, 2007, p. 87).

. There is a prideful and powerful King Nebuchadnezzar (KN) which has resulted in [stated in business-like terms] “…an ethical dilemma, ingratiating co-workers, uncompromising examples, company snitches, and a hot finish” (Geisler & Douglass, 2007, p. 80). There is no doubt about the existence of an ethical dilemma here. It is the clash of absolutes—between the KN’s decree and God’s First and [Second] Commandments.
Obedience to employers and the government is commanded by God (Romans 13: 1-3, JSB-NIV) but not when it conflicts with God’s laws and principles. We should and must not compromise what is taught in the Bible—obeying God over human authority is an imperative when there is a conflict of loyalties between your human superior and God (See Appendix III).
SM&A were respectful when brought before KN, but they replied that they would still would not abide by KN’s commands and were prepared for the consequences. Their rationale was clear because the feared the Lord—they would honor God by being faithful and obedient.
So, what does the Bible say: “the biblical emphasis seems to be a combination of virtue theory and deontological ethics with periodic appeal to egoism and utilitarianism to supplement the primary emphasis on virtues and principles” (Rae, 2018, p. 67). Without a strong faith in God and a commitment to virtue and righteousness—it very unlikely that SM&A would have made the decision not to bow down because just making the decision is the relatively easy task—implementing the decision is something else—it requires a person of character and needs to go beyond the cognitive or head knowledge, it requires a strong motivation to do the right thing and also the habits, virtues and actions (See Appendix II).
SM&A likely had followed the admonition of Daniel 1:8: “…resolved not to defile himself” (JSB-NIV) which means Daniel (and likely SM&A) had decided ahead of time to do the right thing to avoid compromise (JSB-NIV; 1:8 footnote). Their strong faith and their virtues overrode the rationalizations to save their lives by just doing this “one thing.” SM&A went beyond just merely willing to lose their jobs for their decision which is extremely difficult for many Christians—they were willing to die for their convictions.

This is the final step in facing an ethical dilemma after making the right choice for the right reason regardless of the consequences. SM&A decided “…they would not bow down to an idol no matter what the pressure of threat” (Daniel 3:8, 12, 14; Geisler & Douglass, 2007, p. 87). SM&A’s response to an angry king who taunted them was:

King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Dan 3:16-18, NIV).

The three Jews epitomized 1 Cor. 16:13: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (JSB-NIV). However, it important to note that just because you do the right thing for the right reason—there is no guarantee of avoiding any suffering. Nevertheless, the Scriptures are clear that suffering leads to glory from Him in the proper time (e.g., 1 Pet 1:6-7; 1 Pet 4:13; 1 Pet 4:19).

Implementation/Fallback. Sometimes when faced with an ethical dilemma and a decision has been made—we need to take follow-on actions. In some cases, a follow-on ethical dilemma(s) occurs right after the initial dilemma. This may require additional wisdom or prudence and may require a new or additional ethical decision(s). This is also a time as a believer that you get a chance to evaluate how you did during this ethical dilemma—the good and the bad—to the glory of God! Part of our growth as believers is the sanctification process which includes pursuing moral faithfulness (Tyra, 2015).

Other. From a character perspective, knowing what is right and determining the right course of action is not sufficient. Just knowing what is right and knowing the right alternative does not mean that someone will take that right action. See Appendix II for additional ideas on character and Appendix III for more insights regarding on the principles and parameters regarding civil disobedience.

Appendix I

Daniel 3 (NIV, Bible Gateway)

The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 At this time some astrologers[b] came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the …