Ethics and Cultural Norms

I can remember studying ethics in college and discovering the difference between ethical principles and cultural norms. Ethical principles are timeless. They apply to all humanity regardless of time and place. They are not situational. They reflect “veritas”. The Word of God is full of such principles.

Cultural norms, however, are specific to time and place. They fall in and out of favor. They are situational in that their application depends on what popular perception.

When principals clash with cultural norms they are attacked as outdated and hypocritical. Throughout history, the more in decline a civilization becomes, the more “liberal” their norms become.

Our current cultural situation is one of “anything goes” between consenting adults. Wrong is right and right is a moving target. The media and special interest groups are the ones that are the arbiters of what is “politically correct”.

The Word of God is timeless and it’s principles immutable. Those of us that believe in His Word are seen as narrow-minded bigots who are out of touch dinosaurs who are afraid to use our minds. In fact, when we stand up for Biblical principles we are accused of “hate speech”.

The Bible says this, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)

While it seems as though we are the first ones living in “upside-down world” it has always been the case. We are “aliens” in this world. The prince of the age stands against all that is good and just. To stand in opposition to that makes us “strangers”.

 “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and “strangers on earth. (Heb 11:13)

This is not our home and we should not be surprised that we are considered “outsiders” in this world. The key is standing for truth and Biblical principles while communicating the “Good News”. That is done with love, not with judgment and condemnation. We must differentiate the sin from the sinner. The thief on cross understood that his punishment was just compared to Jesus. He was guilty of his sin. But because of the love of Jesus, his sin was imputed and he was invited to enter paradise.

I get so frustrated with what I see on TV and on the news every day. There are times when I despair for this generation and want to give them up for lost. Pointing fingers at their sin, however, is not going to get anyone into heaven. Sharing God’s love and His forgiveness will turn hearts to repentance. My job is to love, the results are up to Him.