Morality and the Modern Girl

I was talking online with a stranger (long story, quite funny, but not necessary at this moment) who happened to be a Catholic. His attitude seemed to be that it really didn't MATTER what sins he committed as long as he confessed about them later.

That got me thinking. I mean, are there MANY people who feel that way? Do people think that as long as you repent, apologize, confess or in some way offer restitution after the fact, it doesn't matter what you did?

I so completely DON'T live that way, and really thought I was in the norm. But maybe I am not.

I went on to tell this person that not EVERYONE uses the bible as a moral compass. He was shocked, he believed it was the ONLY guidance to morality. I replied, (and I quote), "Now here, we are at an impasse, because you believe that the only guidance to morality is a bunch of books written thousands of years ago; and I believe that there is a moral human compass inside each of us and whether or not we choose to listen to it is up to each person - some people look to the bible for guidance, others do not - does not make any one thing more right than the other."

It was then that I realized that maybe I think completely differently than the average person. I mean I know I do in some ways, but I suppose I had no idea that there is an entire population that believes that any act is FINE as long as you repent. Wow. I mean, doesn't that sound as though IF you believe in the bible, it doesn't matter how you act?

Because I believe that if something is wrong, it is just wrong. It will still BE wrong even if I ask for forgiveness or absolution. So I just try not to do things that are wrong, EVER. I am not always completely successful, but never-the-less, I make my best effort.

But now I have to question everything anyone else does. I don't think I like that very much.