tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292847732108435855.post1492609721962111053..comments2023-06-07T06:50:32.542-07:00Comments on A Word in the World: First Thoughts for Sunday Feb. 13thWill Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05382609230452207654noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292847732108435855.post-49922613602714623202011-02-09T21:25:30.630-08:002011-02-09T21:25:30.630-08:00Will
Your comments “Jesus' ethics are not abou...Will<br />Your comments “Jesus' ethics are not about meeting the letter of the law, the outer requirements, but meeting the spirit of the law, the inner requirement. That makes ethics a spiritual practise” made me stop and do a bit of soul searching/inner reflection on what is really going on for me or anyone else when our ethical values get tested. Is it about considering who is right on the outside, and who is following the ‘law’ – written or unwritten? Somewhat. However, I think the deeper conflict comes within ourselves. Ethical dilemmas for me are an internal struggle with myself to recognize what I know is right in my heart and what is just. If my decision doesn’t rest peacefully with me as one that fits and lines up with my ethics and values then I don’t feel comfortable about my decision. I am then not at peace with myself nor with God. <br />I am simplifying a lot here, as the inner struggle is one that can go on for a while and some situations are way more complicated than simply making the statement ‘though shall not steal’, therefore I know it is wrong to steal therefore I don’t do it. The tests of ethical boundaries we face each day are not as simple as that. Those tests come in situations which take us on a private and internal journey of sorting out what we must do when we are faced with ethical situations. Perhaps it is neither a question of ‘measuring up’ nor a question of lining up the inner world with the outer world. Perhaps it is a question of lining up/levelling the internal struggles within ourselves until we make choices that are ethically and morally correct and in alignment with our values. Then I think, what internal framework do we each use as tools to sort through ‘sticky situations’ and make the ethical choices? Are those frameworks similar or very different? What part does experience play in helping us to set ethical boundaries?Deborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15425332241150136759noreply@blogger.com