"Situation Ethics versus Biblical Morality"

Two seeming straight lines which appear parallel that are even a millionth of a degree in difference, if followed far enough will eventually be miles and miles apart.  The same is true of what might appear to be simple and similar pathways as one makes life’s choices.  When such choices are pushed out to their logical end points where does one arrive?  Is that the place you want to be?  Fortunately, even if one finds themselves in such a situation there is hope!

The following is adapted from a post by a Russian Orthodox Abbott...

“Situation Ethics versus Biblical Morality”*

(In part)

“Situation ethics has become the norm for our times, having replaced the biblical ethics of past generations. In situation ethics as long as no one is hurt one can do as one pleases. Taking drugs, watching pornography and aborting the unborn child, all can come under the flag of situation ethics.

The (Church) Fathers knew that even the secret sins committed by people had an effect on the whole of the cosmos. The people who promote situation ethics would have us believe that nothing that is done in private hurts anyone. Biblical ethics tells us quite the opposite.

Love in Christ,

(Name withheld)

The Outcomes

Man is vested by God with the power to make choices but man is not vested with the power to control the outcomes.  Think for a moment about the consequences of the choices you’ve made in life. 

Some choices may have seemed slightly off track at the beginning and you knew they were wrong.  Perhaps it was, after all what is a little pleasure among friends, a small drink, a little peek, a moment of irresponsibility or any of a number of other decisions one makes.  Some seems quite innocent appearing yet were and are wrong.  Some who read this will nod in agreement that later outcomes have been most disappointing, troubling—even devastating.

Romans 1 tells the reader that God eventually is abandoned and abandons—that is God defers to a person’s choice to abandon Him.  Only God knows how many made some small choice but down range it ended in a major and catastrophic eternal failure. 

Choices!  Yet until one dies, there exists the opportunity for choosing a different pathway.  Jesus call is to all, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavily laden and I will give you rest.”  God’s way or man’s way, at times it seems but a simple choice but the consequences are enormous and pushed out to their logical ends are eternities apart.

*Full article may be found at "Morning Offering" check blog list at right.  As well in most of my writings current cultural values are described by mores and morals as opposed to ethics which are eternal, transcendent, objective, etc. realities.