RE: [asa] A question on morals (OT and NT)

On Tue, 10 Nov 2009, Dehler, Bernie wrote:

> Gordon said:
> "How do you define right and wrong? Against what standard do you measure
> the rightness or wrongness of certain acts? For Christians God sets the
> standard."
>
> How do I define right and wrong? I think it depends on specific examples, because I think examples may draw out different methods (some examples may use logic heavily, while others maybe draw out a person's values and opinions). If you want more info, pick a specific example and we can analyze it. That's why I chose the "eye for eye" and "turn the other cheek" examples, based on scripture.
>
> You say "For Christians God sets the standard." But I don't think you can prove that at all. Go ahead and try, with an example, if you want. I already talked with George about euthanasia and an article he wrote on the subject. His bottom line- he gave guidelines to consider, but said ultimately the decision is up to the people. I guess that means God has no say in the SPECIFIC answer.
>

Bernie,

Either I wasn't clear, or you were not ready to give an answer.

There are some basic principles, stated or unstated, on which we base our
decisions as to what is right or wrong morally. What these principles are
determines what sort of discussion two people can have. If they have the
same basis for deciding such as, for example, believing that the Bible is
the basis for such judgments, then it is possible for them to come to an
agreement on particular issues. On the other hand, people with radically
different basic world views such as pro-lifers and abortion-rights
advocates get nowhere in dialogue because their arguments seem irrelevant
to their opponents since they don't have any common ground as a starting
point.

I don't see how the irreligious can give the same importance to morality
that I do.

Gordon Brown (ASA member)

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Received on Thu Nov 12 16:43:32 2009