On Submission to Authority

In our society, submission seems to have a negative connotation, but it simply means “to place oneself under authority.” Note where the power lies – in the one submitting. Our whole society is built on submission. We have chosen to place ourselves under the authority of our own elected officials. We exercised the power to put them in authority. Think about this. Every time we commit an act that is illegal, we erode their authority, and at the same time, weaken our own power. Can you grasp the dilemma here?

Repeat this: Starting with me, submission is a virtue, not a dirty word. I will respect my country’s laws and those who make them.

On Becoming Politically Active

Democracy. It’s one of the values that defines our country. But for all our talk, do we really value democracy? When was the last time you voted? Did you ever call, e-mail or write your representative? Do you know what your school board is doing? Do you take any time to truly understand the issues facing the country, your state, city, etc.? Unless you are actively involved, you don’t really value democracy.

Repeat this: Starting with me, democracy will be truly valued and will start working like it’s supposed to.

The Ethics of Everyday Decisions - Election Ads

First off, there is no perfect candidate. Having said that, what are the ethics around picking a candidate? Are there ethics involved in listening to election ads?

The ads would have us believe it to be a clear case of good against evil. At this stage in the election, ethics lies not so much in the candidate you choose, but in the decision-making process you engage in as you listen to the ads, sound bites, debates, etc.

Consider these thoughts:

1. By definition, an election ad is biased. Don't believe everything you read or hear. Check out the facts through several sources - unbiased ones if you can find them.
2. Election ads are marketing and advertising rolled into one package. Their purpose is to create a need in the minds of the listener and pitch that candidate as the answer to the need. Stop and think. What is hype? What emotions are they trying to draw out? Do you really want what the ads suggest you want? And if so, is this really the candidate to deliver it?
3. Election ads are often focused on a position - that is, an either/or, right/wrong view of an issue. But whose right or wrong? Don't allow the ad writers to tell you what is right or wrong, rather, think about the issue for yourself. Examine the values you hold and decide where you come down on the issue. What are your interests, based on your beliefs? You may find that rather than an issue being either/or, it is neither/nor.
4. Similarly, ads are often focused on a single issue. Any one particular group may be tempted to accept or reject a candidate based on a single issue - like taxes, abortion, defense, etc. But ask yourself if that really matches your total values system. If a candidate promises no increased taxes, how does that square with your value about education or health care?
5. Finally, as the election gets closer, the ads tend to change into either attacks or defenses. The closer we get to having to decide about the issues, the less the issues are openly examined and debated. Look past the ads to voting records, character, affiliations, etc.

Election ads raise all sorts of ethical dilemmas. This web log is not meant to prescribe the right answer, but rather to get you to ask the right questions. Weigh the differing, and even competing values that are presented and make decisions for action based on what you hold dear. Ethics is about making informed choices based on the values you and others believe in.

Scriptural insights: "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter mush be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." Deuteronomy 19:15

"Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." Acts 6:3