Universal ethical standard

[alerj123]

Do you think that there is a universal ethical standard? A standard applicable to everyone?

It doesn't matter where this standard comes from, whether it be an inherent characteristic of the world or directly from some sort of God.

This question is directed at Christians because of the direction I am going to take it.

Feel free to give your opinion either way though.

 

[sc4s2cg]

Only two. To love G-d with all our heart and soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

But I don't know if you would consider that "ethical" it's more of a law or commandment..

G-d bless,
sc

 

[Jebediah]

Do you think that there is a universal ethical standard? A standard applicable to everyone?

It doesn't matter where this standard comes from, whether it be an inherent characteristic of the world or directly from some sort of God.

This question is directed at Christians because of the direction I am going to take it.

Feel free to give your opinion either way though.

No.

 

[stumpjumper]

Thread better suited for Ethics and Morality.

Off it goes...

 

[alerj123]

Only two. To love G-d with all our heart and soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

But I don't know if you would consider that "ethical" it's more of a law or commandment..

G-d bless,
sc

How about in terms of things such as murder? Freedom? Theft?

Divorce? Adultery? Homosexuality? Is there no moral standard for any of these?

 

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

the golden rule is pretty universal across faiths and cultures.

 

[alerj123]

the golden rule is pretty universal across faiths and cultures.

If that is the case, what if you are commanded by God to do something different? Can he supersede the "golden rule"?

 

[ArchaicTruth]

If that is the case, what if you are commanded by God to do something different? Can he supersede the "golden rule"?

The way I see it this is pretty simple, if God's a dumb ass, then he's not God

 

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

If that is the case, what if you are commanded by God to do something different? Can he supersede the "golden rule"?

you mean like he did to Abraham?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac

 

[sc4s2cg]

How about in terms of things such as murder? Freedom? Theft?

Divorce? Adultery? Homosexuality? Is there no moral standard for any of these?

I doubt it.

Some cultures accept corporal punishment, some do not. Some accept abortion, some do not. Some accept war, some do not. Some accept homosexuality, some do not. Some accept theft, especially if it's a poor person stealing to prevent his/her family from starving, some do not.

And on it goes. Too much of a vague thing.

G-d bless,
sc

 

[Stinker]

I do believe that everyone knows that it is morally wrong to be stolen from, unless they found out that the guilty person was forced to due to a life threatening situation. That everyone knows that it is morally wrong to hurt or kill them or anyone that they love.

 

[alerj123]

you mean like he did to Abraham?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac

Yes precisely, that is where I was hoping this would end up. I started another thread in general apologetics about this specifically. Just curious, which view do you hold? I find the interpretation that Abraham actually failed God's test especially intriguing.

 

[CACTUSJACKmankin]

Yes precisely, that is where I was hoping this would end up. I started another thread in general apologetics about this specifically. Just curious, which view do you hold? I find the interpretation that Abraham actually failed God's test especially intriguing.

God tested Abraham's devotion and Abraham passed and God substituted Issac for a goat.

 

[MoonlessNight]

Universal as in objective and absolute? Or universal as in the same for everyone? Because I think that there are guiding principles that apply to everyone, but the specifics of what is moral can vary from person to person. Though you might say that has to do with the situation of their strengths, weaknesses and vocation.

 

[Mling]

Yes, but they are vague and the specifics of them are dependent on culture.

Basically: help people and do not cause harm. that which harms is wrong. That which helps, edifies and heals is good.

 

[ReverendDG]

I do believe that everyone knows that it is morally wrong to be stolen from, unless they found out that the guilty person was forced to due to a life threatening situation. That everyone knows that it is morally wrong to hurt or kill them or anyone that they love.

but thats not really universal, thats purely situational. most people don't want others stealing from them or from people they like, but they don't care something is stolen from someone they hate.
people will murder people they hate just fine, so its really about if it affects you if it doesn't you don't care.
though people can through ideology come to believe that this idea is wrong.
but even then its not universal
there is no universal morality or ethical standard, we are taught there is, but thats just blinding yourself to truth, not confirming the truth

 

[Patashu]

How can there be an objective moral standard?

Morals cannot be observed, they are something that is invented in an attempt to make society better able to function and govern itself. It's like asking if there's an objective notion of happiness or love, or an objective best ice cream flavour.

 

[quatona]

How can there be an objective moral standard?

Morals cannot be observed, they are something that is invented in an attempt to make society better able to function and govern itself. It's like asking if there's an objective notion of happiness or love, or an objective best ice cream flavour.

I think he wasn´t asking about an objective moral standard, but about universal(ly agreed upon) moral standards.

 

[Ave Maria]

I honestly don't think there is a universal moral standard. Morals are more than likely relative to the situation and person.

 

[ebia]

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.

How about in terms of things such as murder? Freedom? Theft?

Divorce? Adultery? Homosexuality? Is there no moral standard for any of these?

One's response to those is, or should be, an application of the above.

If you mean by the original question "Is there a univerally applicable list of dos and don'ts that covers every possible question unambigously" then that's to miss the whole point. We are made for something much more challenging than that.