Is there a real morality?

2018-04-24T18:48:26-04:00

I have been getting into this discussion with a few people lately and no one has been able to change my mind just yet. My position is that there is no unchanging and definite morality (e.g. a set of moral principles that, regardless of time, place, or culture remains unchanged and entirely understood). Rather, I believe that morality is changing and entirely depends on the time, place, culture, and utility. If it were beneficial to allow for murder and it allowed for the smoothest running society then we would have no problem with murder. For a real-world example, it was once perfectly acceptable to treat certain people as no more than equipment or animals to be used for physical labor; today, we understand that all human beings are valuable and should be treated as human beings. What do you believe? Is there an all-encompassing and permanent morality or is it dependent?

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Apr 24 at 2018 7:07 PM

2018-04-24T19:07:31-04:00

There is no expiration date on the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses. Every one of them is suitable for our time period as it was for the Israelites.

Moreover, the two great commandments that the Lord Jesus Christ added is very much relevant today:
1. To love the Lord thy God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

2. To love one another.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2018 7:52 PM

2018-04-24T19:52:14-04:00

I believe morality is based on the culture and time era.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Apr 24 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-04-24T21:09:25-04:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson I have pondered that question based on the very point you posted, Negros were property or chattel, once. In some states that law is still on the books. I cannot believe I am saying this but I have witnessed morality evolve or devolve with the culture of humanity. For me, personally, I believe and in my human capacity follow the Bible as my Soverign guide, as well as other religious, spiritual, moral, and secular instructions that guide towards the moral fiber I believe

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 25 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-04-25T10:26:46-04:00

Social contract is not the same as moral code.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2018 10:26 AM

2018-04-25T10:26:47-04:00

If morality changes, as you state, and there is no universal truth, then you (nor anyone else) has the right to say what anyone else is doing is wrong. I understand that what society accepts as "ok" changes but that doesn't make something ultimately right or wrong. Slavery was wrong despite what the slave owner's society accepted.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-04-25T13:19:12-04:00

That all depends on whether or not there is...or isn't a divine being responsible for our existence and judging the nature of any actual after-life. If one believes (as I'll admit I do) that there is...and He does...then "morality" is not subjective, but objective. On the other hand, if one is convinced there is no such being or any "after-life" to judge; then yes..."morality" is what suits the cause and effect of the moment.

The hard questions begin when one isn't quite certain which they believe.