Skip to main content

Higher and Lower Moral Laws: Objective and Relative

Through the last century there has been a huge rise of what is called "Moral Relativism." This method of thinking simply states that right and wrong are not absolute and true for everyone at every time, as moral objectivism dictates. Upon hours of research and pondering on the concept of morals, philosophers determined that the difference between the two modes of thinking comes down to the question of where morals come from.

If morals come from God, than they are true to everyone at all times. They are objective. In contrast, there is the idea that God either doesn't exist, or doesn't give us an absolute right or wrong moral code. The argument would then be made, that people must receive their morals from somewhere, and if they don't come from God, where would they come from? The scientist would point out that the animal kingdom is full of examples of animals who work together well and treat each other well, without having any objective moral code. Those who believe in that system would attribute our moral code to cultural conditioning. This is a very interesting idea, and one well worth contemplation.

But what about religion? If moral relativism is in fact true, what happens to the Law of Moses for Jews, the teachings of Christ during the sermon on the mount, or the Islamic Wajib and Haran (the pillars of Islam for actions that are right, and those that are wrong)? Many would claim that if morals are relative, the traditional concept of God cannot exist. I disagree. Rather I believe that they both exist simultaneously.

Doctrine and Covenants section 58 verses 26 and 27 read:
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
 We learn from other scripture that there are things which are simply wrong to do. Objective. But we find something interesting here. We see a statement that; we aren't all supposed to be commanded in everything. But that in order to grow and become like Christ, we have to determine and act on some things for ourselves. And I think that it is up to each person to decide that for themselves. If we didn't decide for ourselves, wouldn't that still be being commanded in all things?

The last question now arises. Where is that line drawn? I believe that it is drawn between the things which are essential for salvation, and those things which are only temporal. I don't have a clear cut list, but I find it interesting to ponder.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Theory of Thymos: Plato's Prediction

People are strange. Throughout all the ages of man, armies have wasted their lives going to war over things as frivolous as an apple as well as many who kill themselves and others in the name of a divine being that they have never even seen. At the same time, many heroes have given their lives in protecting liberty and standing up for justice and freedom. What could cause people to make decisions such as these? The ancient Greeks believed that there was a part within each of us that caused us to make irrational decisions like these. This was called Thymos. Plato wrote extensively on the topic. He said that all forms of society are born from this philosophy of Thymos, and I agree. Upon examination we can find that political initiative, the life blood of a free society, flows from the attributes of Thymos. Likewise, if we do not control this place within, we will develop a weaker more tyrannical society. The Thymos that dwells within each of us is the seat of our passions. It has...

The Problem of Poverty

If you made less than 12,000 dollars this year, than you would be considered an individual in poverty; that is to say, you would be considered extremely poor (US Census Bureau). Poverty is caused in many ways. From weak educational backgrounds to drug addictions, poverty has affected many lives for the worse. Impoverished individuals experience a lower standard of living than those above the poverty line, which causes significant negative effects to their emotional stability, physical health, and their ability to function in society. In order for the problem of poverty to be properly addressed, people first need to become aware of the magnitude of the issue, and then give support to groups and programs which are already fighting it. Poverty spreads far and wide, and it touches every life in some way or another. According to the World Bank, nearly 15 percent of the global population lives below the international poverty line (The World Bank). That means that just under 500 million peo...

"Free Rainbows"

Walking down the streets of a large city, you look around. What do you see? You see the towering buildings touching the sky. You see the extensive infrastructure and expensive cars stretching on into eternity. Towering above our meager lives, society casts a long shadow across the earth. Now take a step back. Look a little bit closer. Beneath the shadows of every immense building, and on the corner of every busy street you can find something much smaller, but ever so much more important. Lurking in the shadows there are the people who have been cast aside by this massive society. The poor, sick, needy masses who are left on the corner of a road pleading, pleading for someone to show them the smallest compassion. But day after day, they are tossed aside by people who see a world no deeper than their own selfish desires. Two years ago, a tiny girl stepped onto a street corner under the shadow of the selfish city. She was not homeless, not in need, not there to beg for compassion....