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Feb 04

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THE PROBLEM WITH A MORAL STANDARD? (1)

There is a great debate taking place about morals! It is not new; neither are the two sides of the debate: 1) the New Testament – the teaching of Christ, and 2) the mind of mankind! The word “mankind” is used, as no one person has the authority to determine a moral standard than does any other! This means “the standard” is constantly changing; thus, there is no real “standard” for all time, for anyone! The real battle here is that no one has any more authority, then, does anyone else! This means there is no “real standard!”
The means that the most qualified, one who is more able to see the long-lasting consequences of certain actions; has no more moral authority, than does the person who see only today! This brings before “mankind” a major problem for which they have no such answer! How is a moral standard determined? There are several ways this problem could be “settled:” 1) a moral standard could be voted on and the “standard” would then be the one that gets the most votes, wins: 2) an authoritative body could be voted in by all who are to be under this moral authority and this body would write a moral code; and 3) there could be a moral standard outside of “mankind!”
First, it must be understood that: ”By the use of the word “standard,” implies” “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.” (Santa Clara University: Jan 1, 1988)
Second, it is good at this point, to recall these words: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” (Theodore Roosevelt). With these thoughts in mind, read the following which addresses “business and morals: “In The Moral Leader course at Harvard Business School, students exchange their business management case studies to discuss some of the great protagonists in literature. Sandra Sucher discusses how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership. (Working Knowledge – Business Research for Business Leaders – 19 NOV. 2007). The key words here are: “how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership.” If businesses are free to “find our own definition of moral leadership;” then, the “moral leadership” is free to defined what is moral! Notice, “leadership” changes; therefore, each “moral leader” is free to set forth what is “moral” and it may be very different from the last “moral leader!” This violates the earlier point: “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.”
The only true, consistent moral standard in the world today, is “the teaching of Christ!” This statement, of course, has been and is debated; and it is the subject of this article! Take for instance in business “a moral leader” faced with the decision: 1) “Do I follow what is best for the company” or 2) “Do I follow what is morally right?” If he is free to “defend his own moral leadership,” then, he more than likely would go with what makes more money for the company, as this is his “definition of moral leadership!” However, to do this he must be dishonest in his business dealings with other companies! Thus, his “moral code” is not consistent and has within it contradictions. Now you ask: does he expect those with whom he does business to be honest in their dealings with him! Here we come face to face with the “heart and soul” of “the teaching of Christ” when dealing with others; Jesus said what is called “the golden rule:” “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Jesus’ teaching is superior to that of any other!
The teaching of Christ is all-sufficient; in all areas of life: personal, family, business, national and internationally! As Paul when addressing the inspired word of God; he said: it “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Frank R. Williams

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