Insecurity => creativity LO10971

Kerr, Donald (Donald.Kerr@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com)
Tue, 12 Nov 1996 12:05:00 -0600

Replying to LO10900 --

Ben, You asked:

>What is moral?

I agree this question comes before we talk about moral decay.

What is moral is often equated to that which is not a sin, such as
"Adultery is a sin" in the Old Testament. Moral decay then is often seen
as an increase in violation of these rules. This belief is legitimate
only because it is founded on the rule-based ethical paradigm of the Old
Testament. I prefer to look at it differently from a New Testament
non-rule-based ethical paradigm.

David Steindl-Rast defines sin is alienation and salvation is belonging.
Whenever I say "Yes" to belonging to a group or society, I agree to
"Behave as people behave when they truly belong together." Love is saying
"Yes" to that belonging without conditions. When I focus on my own
self-interest, I separate myself from that belonging. When I feel this
separatedness I am alienated. Behaving "immorally" is choosing separation
over belonging. Our minds are the source of separation. Moral decay is
an increase in alienation or separatedness, which is ironically brought
about by the very rules put it place to help us behave "morally." Rules
make us conscious of sin, guilt and separation. When I live in a
sin-conscious society, I am focused on separation and more separation
happens. When I live in a "salvation-conscious" society, I am focused on
belonging and more belonging happens.

What is moral? Unconditional belonging.
What is immoral? Conditional separation.
What is moral decay? Increased consciousness of our separation.
What is moral victory? Increased consciousness of our belonging.
When is moral victory? Here and now.
What if someone separates? Choose.
What if they keep doing it? Choose again.
Won't the result be chaos and decay? Choose again and again...

See why we need to answer what is moral first?

Have a Great Adventure!
Don Kerr
Donald.Kerr@USAHQ.UnitedSpaceAlliance.com

-- 

"Kerr, Donald" <Donald.Kerr@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com>

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