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Written by Dr. Christopher Beckham
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Wednesday, 02 December 2009 |
Ethics And Modern Life
Is there any one place we can turn for guidance on moral and ethical matters that has all the answers? We all have to make moral and ethical choices every day, and so do our neighbors, friends, and business associates. We hope that everyone we deal with has a good, solid moral compass. To make our way in this world, we have to trust others. So, we hope they are full of honesty and decency. Those who deal with us hope for and expect the same of us.
So, then: as we make our way in this world, where can we turn to learn of right and wrong, good and evil? Some say, “Look within.” I hope we will look farther than our own hearts, or even our own consciences, though. People can be very good at leading themselves astray!
“Let your conscience be your guide” the old saying goes—but conscience is an imperfect guide at best. I imagine that some of the world’s worst dictators and terrorists have not been bothered in the least by their consciences at night, after a day’s wickedness and mayhem. No, there has to be some objective, authoritative source for us to consult.
I believe that the Holy Bible, that ancient book of God, is that source. It is the place to start in all our perplexities, uncertainties and questionings. The Psalmist of old remarked, “the entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
....Christopher Beckham
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