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.
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4 comments:
I don't know if I am average but I hold the same philosophy as you. I like to think I am above average but then I come from the land of Lake Wobegon...
I don't think everyone thinks this way. I really think you and I are more the norm but probably not as vocal as the person you were talking to.
what is YOUR definition of 'wrong'? what is RIGHT in YOUR eyes?
Don't you see?! thats exactly whats happening and has happened with Tibet&China, Israel&Palestine, NativeAmericans&America-- WE ARE KILLING EACH OTHER based on the FAULTY 'moral compass' within these societies.... in a sense- these groups are saying,"since your definition of whats RIGHT is not mine-- you must die or be blackballed from society"
you must try to open your mind to the fact that not everyone is as strong minded nor as 'moral' as you to determine RIGHT from WRONG-- HUMANS are PACK animals.... AND not all packs are passive about their morals (some defend their position to the point of killing their dissenters) so when you have an aggressive pack roaming around thinking they are RIGHT... it's a very dangerous situation for the other packs...
you are a parent.... and probably a very good parent who teaches your kids YOUR DEFINITION OF RIGHT from WRONG but what happens to the kids that arent HOMESCHOOLed and are raised by ignorant parents who HATE other people... who disagree with other's morals sooo much that they'd rather have those opposers DISAPPEAR from earth?
What type of society would these kids create when they grow into adults?
What type of decisions would their 'moral compass' help them make when all they were taught was to HATE someone else because others are WRONG since they dont think like you.
you have TWO handsome boys (and GOD BLESS them, sincerely) but IMAGINE if you were a TIBETAN--- and you were told THAT'S IT-- YOU HAVE ONE... YOU CAN NOT HAVE ANOTHER.... imagine not being able to feel the joy of having that other boy....HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?
I agree with the FORMER nun KAREN ARMSTRONG that you posted about on Julia Sweeney's blog because she's RIGHT.... RELIGION is soooo caught up in proving right from wrong that they've moved from LOVE & COMPASSION to UNFORGIVING PUNISHMENT...
your boys are growing up-- into teens-- lets say they are very good BOYS right now- they do what they are told, no talking back, very respectful, they clean their room, etc, etc.... but in a few years they will be TEENS.....
will you BANISH your boys when they mess up-- because they are doing the WRONG things in your eyes or will you FORGIVE THEM and have COMPASSION for the fact that they're learning to be men and arent getting it right on their first try?
during those teenage years (and the many that follow)... us-humans- MESS UP and SIN... some mess up and sin repeatedly until they see the damage they've done.
My point is that as a GLOBAL SOCIETY we OBVIOUSLY are not using our internal 'moral compasses' for the good of HUMANkind...
Those 'bunch of books' that you are referrring to are like SPEED LIMITS that protect other 'moral' humans from those that dont have a very moral 'moral compass'... Those 'bunch of books' are for those who want to be good citizens but never had the priviledge of having LOVING parents nor being homeschooled...
there are many people who want to be 'moral' and do good but dont know how nor where to start because they werent taught... a GOOD BOOK is a great way to learn ESPECIALLY a book that has lasted the test of time...
I apologize if you feel I'm 'attacking' your post... but please dont take this personally. I feel deeply about this topic because i've messed up alot Petra and I needed to be forgiven so i wouldnt continue being angry at myself and the world... i THANK GOD FOR THE LOVE and COMPASSION of those around me, who've forgiven my sins and have allowed us to move on with our lives and have allowed me once again to CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY in a healthy, positive.... 'moral' manner.
When everyone closed their doors on me- I had nowhere to turn but towards GOD and his 'bunch of books'....
Thank you sooo very much for listening...
Petra, So nice to see someone THINKING about things. Whether I agree or disagree is of no consequence. It is just great to see someone have their own opinion about something because they decided to stop and really think about why they have their own opinion. If everyone could dig in and find out the facts, their faith, whatever that is, would probably grow much deeper, and all this fighting would probably disappear. K.C.
How interesting that "his attitude seemed to be that it really didn't MATTER what sins he committed as long as he confessed about them later." and that he also believes in the Bible as a moral compass. I too believe in the Bible as a moral compass and after many decades of studying it and reading it daily, I have to tell you that NO WHERE in the Bible is there the slightest hint that it's ok to commit sins as long as they're later confessed. That is a totally man made concept. Perhaps he's using religion, as he's learned it, as a moral compass. Religion should never be confused with the Bible.
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