How do CHRISTIAN ETHICS relate to the STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT? (See details.)?

Question

Kohlberg described 6 stages in moral development:

Level 1 (Pre-Conventional)
1. Obedience & punishment orientation (Do it or suffer)
2. Self-interest orientation (What's in it for me?)

Level 2 (Conventional)
3. Interpersonal accord & conformity (The good boy/good girl attitude)
4. Authority and social-order maintaining orientation (Law and order morality)

Level 3 (Post-Conventional)
5. Social contract orientation (Greatest good for the greatest number)
6. Universal ethical principles (Principled conscience)

When you consider the moral teachings of your particular faith, doctrine, or discipline, how do their teachings fit into the particular stages of moral development described by Dr. Kohlberg?

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development

Answer 1

I'd say level 3, then again I'm not a Christian. I think most Christians would be a level 1 as evidenced by their "believe or burn" and "I want eternal life" mentality.

Answer 2

The highest stage of morality is loving God and doing what He desires, which is best for you, and everyone else. This comes through being in relationship with Him and Jesus (through salvation). Why bother with anything else? It's just a waste of time, and doesn't fix the root of immorality - sin.

From the moon, everything on earth looks rather flat. The mountains and valleys and in between all look like they are the same level.
If we measure bad people by good people and vice versa, some look really good, and others, evil.
If we consider the moon way up there, being the mark of perfection, then we fall far below that, and even the most moral person is hardly any better than the most evil.

Those who hate Saddam for example, labeling him as evil, and not worthy of being forgiven, must be completely blind to how evil they are, probably because they do all the "right" things, and forget about their words, thoughts desires and the motives for their actions, and become full of pride in being "good" people. These people are worse than mass murderers, and rapists, yet they cannot see it, because they are so focussed on their actions, and thinking some actions are better than others regardless of the motive, or the heart behind those actions.

In Jesus day, these were the pharisees. In our day, we have them everywhere. There are heaps in religions in churches, and in the "good" citizens of society.

Answer 3

I think this over simplified outline is pretty much obvious for anyone but the details are the important part . and regardless of whether your morals come from reason or tainted beliefs the results are too similar and subtle for most to distinguish .
Ask the Dr. on morals if he can cure the criminal mind or the apathy that allows it .

"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed. "
Albert Einstein

Answer 4

Most christians and religious fanatics can only get to level 2. there are exceptions- mother theresa and ghandi for example were certainly post-convetional, but for most christians morality is all about god as an authority figure and pleasing others (family, friends, members of the congregation).

Answer 5

The only difference between Christians and Atheists, or Agnostics, is the belief in God. All he other basic rules of society apply. Irregardless of what Maggie thinks. We as Christians are to follow both Gods commandments on behavior but also societies.

Answer 6

Nothing is liken unto the Word of God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not change because there is a better answer next year. I think that is the difference. May God Bless U.

Answer 7

You believe in this guy,
God's laws and ways are higher than man