My pastor concluded his "Strong Convictions in a Moral Fog" series yesterday with a sermon on evil. The topic is also related to the Truth Project discussion on Ethics and Morality.
Naturally (no pun intended), in a discussion about morality, we need to address our society's incorrect assumptions that everything is relative and that there are no moral absolutes. This is tied with humanism (man is the measure of all things), situational ethics (right and wrong determined by circumstance), and utilitarianism (right and wrong determined by what is best for the majority). Interestingly and sadly, I've heard all three of these "arguments" in discussions with non-believing friends. Situational ethics is related to sociological law - morality being determined by the prevailing viewpoint of society. And, something we see clearly in our society, is the incorrect notion that we do not need God or religion to make moral choices.
On the contrary....God's design for the "State" is for the leader to rule under the ultimate leadership and guidance of God. And that morality is best defined when aligned with the ethical absolutes, based on who God is.
The pastor talked about the signs of a morally bankrupt society, taken from Isaiah 5:8-22
- Unrestrained Greed (vs 8-10)
- Pursuit of Pleasure (vs 11-12)
- Religious Skepticism (vs 18-19)
- Moral Reversals (vs 20)
- Intellectual Arrogance (vs 21)
- Widespread Corruption (vs 22)
It is no surprise that we see these signs in our society today. Greed and Corruption are everywhere. The pursuit of pleasure obscures the view of what is truly important in life; and devalues true character. Religious skepticism is taken to the extreme in outright attacks. Moral reversals are the norm, where what is obviously wrong, is considered right; and what is right, is disdained. And, intellectual arrogance puts reasoning above revelation; instead of trying to find where the two complement and support each other.
So, how do we live in the midst of a morally bankrupt society? We are urged to share the positive testimony and enjoy the benefits of a moral life; and to communicate God's love to those who are broken by sin.
My pastor concluded his "Strong Convictions in a Moral Fog" series yesterday with a sermon on evil. The topic is also related to the Truth Project discussion on Ethics and Morality.
Naturally (no pun intended), in a discussion about morality, we need to address our society's incorrect assumptions that everything is relative and that there are no moral absolutes. This is tied with humanism (man is the measure of all things), situational ethics (right and wrong determined by circumstance), and utilitarianism (right and wrong determined by what is best for the majority). Interestingly and sadly, I've heard all three of these "arguments" in discussions with non-believing friends. Situational ethics is related to sociological law - morality being determined by the prevailing viewpoint of society. And, something we see clearly in our society, is the incorrect notion that we do not need God or religion to make moral choices.
On the contrary....God's design for the "State" is for the leader to rule under the ultimate leadership and guidance of God. And that morality is best defined when aligned with the ethical absolutes, based on who God is.
The pastor talked about the signs of a morally bankrupt society, taken from Isaiah 5:8-22
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