On Interrelational Ethics

Here’s a thorny ethical dilemma: Legalism vs. Grace. Law and order demand that we hold people accountable for their actions. Mercy and forgiveness suggest that we give people a break. Are the two incompatible? Ignoring wrongdoing is a slippery slope, but punishment is not necessarily “justice.”

Consider this: ethics suggests an ongoing, open dialogue about the competing values we see among individuals and societies. To coin a phrase, we need to be about “interrelational ethics.”

Repeat this: Starting with me, morals will be tested in relationship with others. I will be open to the give and take of dialogue.

On Determining Truth

Okay, let’s get a little philosophical. When it comes to morality, is there really a “right” and a “wrong?” In our democratic society, we tend to decide everything by majority rule. Are there certain things that ought not be put to a vote? Are there moral absolutes?

These are tough questions. But you must wrestle with the answers. Every time you make a decision, you are basing it on some moral belief. Have you truly examined that belief? I believe there are absolute truths and that belief colors my every action.

Repeat this: Starting with me, the basis for moral decisions will not be taken lightly. I will clearly define my beliefs and behave accordingly.

On Prejudging - Judging a Book by Its Cover

I’m a fan of the CSI genre of TV shows. One of the positive messages is the portrayal of some of the weird-looking and weird-acting people (by my first-appearance standards) as highly intelligent, capable professionals. It’s a good reminder of the old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” All too often we pre-judge people by how they dress, or their height or weight, or, today, their body ornamentation. Appearances rarely have anything to do with what’s inside a person; with what a person is capable of. As the CSI shows always say, “Believe the evidence.”

Repeat this: Starting with me, the fruit of people’s work will be the only standard for judging their worth.

Ethics of Everyday Decisions - Smoking

This is part of a series encouraging an examination of everyday decisions from a moral standpoint. How do our everyday actions help or harm ourselves and others? Think about it. For those interested, there is a Scriptural insight relating to the everyday decision, from a Christian standpoint. I welcome responses from those who might be able to offer similar insights from the Koran or other sacred writings.

Over the next few months, watch for postings on health decisions, work decisions, environmental decisions, relationship decisions, and...who knows what else?

The spate of laws around smoking in public places suggests that there’s more to smoking than one’s own personal decision. “To smoke or not to smoke?” It is a moral decision.

On the positive side, smoking may have a calming effect on the smoker, fulfill a desire for taste, or contribute to one’s self or group image. Many claim smoking depresses one’s appetite, helping people keep from gaining weight. Buying and smoking supports thousands of workers (and their families) in the tobacco industry and its entire supply and distribution chain.

On the negative side, smokers’ friends and families may have to stand by and watch as their loved ones’ health and lives are negatively affected. Smoking causes and/or contributes to numerous life threatening and life-limiting diseases and conditions for both the smoker and those close enough to inhale the secondhand smoke. As a result, individuals, companies and society bear higher health care costs. Smoking produces litter and indoors, coats walls and furnishings with a yellowish substance. As a result, more frequent cleaning is required, increasing costs to building owners, employers and taxpayers.

There may be more implications, positive and negative, but just considering the ones above, you can see that decisions around smoking are moral decisions, in addition to practical, political, financial and others.

A Scriptural Perspective: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” -1st Corinthians 3:16-17