Ethics & Morality
Right and wrong, contested moral questions, and the principle behind them.
How do we determine what is right and wrong, good and evil?
Right and wrong are determined by the "Standard of Original Value," which centers on God's purpose of creation. Actions aligning with God's purpose, fostering truth, beauty, and goodness, are right. Selfish motivations that deviate from this purpose are wrong. This standard requires directing human desire toward righteousness, guided by conscience and the Three Great Blessings, thereby fulfilling our portion of responsibility in God's ideal.
What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
The Bible consistently prohibits homosexual acts, viewing them as deviations from God's created order and design for human sexuality, as articulated by Old Testament law and New Testament teachings from Paul. This teaching clarifies that God's ideal is heterosexual marriage between perfected individuals, reflecting God's dual characteristics and fulfilling the Three Great Blessings. The Human Fall distorted humanity's original nature, leading to diverse sexual expressions in a fallen world.
What does the Bible say about abortion?
The Bible and this teaching affirm the sanctity of human life from conception, as each person is divinely formed and known by God, embodying His image. While the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, it values pre-born life and imposes penalties for its harm. The Principle clarifies that physical death is natural, but spiritual death, separation from God, resulted from the Fall. Abortion is seen as a tragic deviation from God's ideal, rooted in the fallen world's suffering, demanding compassion and efforts towards restoration.
Why should we avoid being in debt?
Debt is a spiritual condition, not only a financial one. It reverses the proper order of relationships, breeds resentment that evil can use, and burdens families and lives beyond death. Scripture urges settling every debt of money and of heart, keeping only the debt of love.