At the root of one’s view of the social issues about human life is a moral choice one makes about life. Even deeper, however, is the choice we make about who determines morality. That’s the real issue when it come to the sanctity of human life.
Getting to the Real Issue When It Comes to the Sanctity of Human Life
The Social Issues:
abortion, human embryo research, human cloning, euthanasia, what to do with people who are disabled, etc.
The Moral Issues: ethics
Who should be protected and defended and who can be abused or destroyed?
Who should be given value and who can be disregarded and viewed as inferior?
Who should be treated with dignity and respect and who can be mocked or robbed of dignity?
The Deeper Issues: authority
Do we listen to what the media tells us? Does a plethora of propaganda make something right?
Do we go with what government allows? Does legalization make something right?
Do we adhere to scientific theory? Does someone’s interpretation of science make something right?
Do we hold to what seems expedient? Do circumstances make something right?
Do we look for a source outside of ourselves? Does God determine what is right?
How you handle the social issues are mere symptoms of your ethics. Ethics stem from your basis of authority in making ethical decisions. So, the real issue is how reliable your authoritative base is for making life and death decisions. The next post will reflect on what happens when God is our standard.