Higher and Lower Laws of Moral Systems: Objective and Relative

Through the last century there has been a huge rise of what is called "Moral Relativism." This method of thinking simply states that right and wrong are not absolute and true for everyone at every time, as moral objectivism dictates. Upon hours of research and pondering on the concept of morals, philosophers determined that the difference between the two modes of thinking comes down to the question of where morals come from.

If morals come from God, than they are true to everyone at all times. They are objective. In contrast, there is the idea that God either doesn't exist, or doesn't give us an absolute right or wrong moral code. The argument would then be made, that people must receive their morals from somewhere, and if they don't come from God, where would they come from? The scientist would point out that the animal kingdom is full of examples of animals who work together well and treat each other well, without having any objective moral code. Those who believe in that system would attribute our moral code to cultural conditioning. This is a very interesting idea, and one well worth contemplation.

But what about religion? If moral relativism is in fact true, what happens to the Law of Moses for Jews, the teachings of Christ during the sermon on the mount, or the Islamic Wajib and Haran (the pillars of Islam for actions that are right, and those that are wrong)? Many would claim that if morals are relative, the traditional concept of God cannot exist. I disagree. Rather I believe that they both exist simultaneously.

Doctrine and Covenants section 58 verses 26 and 27 read:

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

 We learn from other scripture that there are things which are simply wrong to do. Objective. But we find something interesting here. We see a statement that; we aren't all supposed to be commanded in everything. But that in order to grow and become like Christ, we have to determine and act on some things for ourselves. And I think that it is up to each person to decide that for themselves. If we didn't decide for ourselves, wouldn't that still be being commanded in all things?

The last question now arises. Where is that line drawn? I believe that it is drawn between the things which are essential for salvation, and those things which are only temporal. I don't have a clear cut list, but I find it interesting to ponder.

My Worldview: Secular Existential Mormonism

In a world as complicated as our own, a strong set of core beliefs are absolutely necessary to deal with the vast amount of information constantly being hurled at us. Each person has a worldview or set of core beliefs that defines who they are, and how they perceive the world. The ideas within my worldview if they were given a name would be that of Secular Existential Mormonism. This is my core belief, and it is how I view my world.

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These things I believe, in the core of my heart:

That God is Omnipotent and Omnipresent. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to perform the Atonement which redeems us from our sins. It is by faith in the Atonement and actions such as service, missionary work, and temple covenants we can be saved and return to their presence forever. There is a devil who strives to destroy our souls. But our Father who knows the end from the beginning has all power to correct the damage Satan causes and even reverse it for our good if we rely on him.

There is an absolute truth which governs all. These truths, however, are unknowable to us in our current sphere of understanding. God, the master of all truth, reveals to us what what he deems fit for us to know. Thus we must live by faith in his aid in eternal matters. But as we must also learn to make our own decisions, we are granted very powerful minds and consciences to help us live in our temporal state. Faith is for acting on the higher laws, logic for the lower.

There is an absolute moral code of right and wrong, predetermined and true to all of humanity. We are born with a conscience which supplies the basic sense of good and evil. Different people will make commitments which will refine the lens of right and wrong (such as temple covenants and parenthood) making things that are “right” a smaller and more concentrated area than before. This basic code and these other considerations are key to all ethical decisions in this life, with the guidance of higher revelation. The word of God ousts any prior law or code in nature.

Nature, this world, and the rest universe all evolved or were created as cosmology and darwinian evolution dictates. God works according to the laws of the universe, including some which our human minds cannot comprehend at this time. He dictated the evolutionary process and guided the formation of the Heavens as shown by the symbolism found in the books of Genesis, Abraham, and Moses. Mankind however, did not evolve as the rest of nature. We were directly placed here by the hands of our Eternal Father who literally conceived Adam, the first man. This process does not fall under modern science simply because it has not yet been revealed as it is not relevant for our current lives.

The soul is a combination of both body and spirit, and neither are whole without the other. The bridge between these two fundamental attributes of self is the mind. The mind interacts with both the physical and spiritual dimensions. As our mind controls our body, it will react to physical stimulation in various ways. Alternately, the mind is also in direct relation with the spirit. Just as the physical world interacting with the body simulates our mind, interactions in the spiritual world produce neurons which supply us with conscious thought. The body produces appetites which sustain life. The spirit, passions and promptings which give meaning to life, as well as provides life to the body. The mind, or bridge between the two, causes us to think rationally and logically, something not found in other physical beings, but not something very spiritual either. All our spiritual influences are either good or bad.

The basic building block of society is the family. A marriage is the binding force behind this institution. Marriages are to be between one man and one wife unless dictated otherwise by God. Our interactions with others ought to be friendly, open, and tolerant. Tolerance of others beliefs is essential to positive interaction.

Public life should never infringe on the rights or beliefs of others. Civility and temperance should dominate, mixed with tolerance to form a peaceful balance of diversity. Individual beliefs should be protected, but never forced on another. This law stands, so far as the higher law is not violated. This higher law is, that any belief manifest in an action which denies another of their unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, Property, or any extensions thereof are not permissible.

Government, on any level, should receive it’s power from the willing consent of the governed. The basic concept of government is designed by God, through men, to protect our basic human rights. It should not exceed in power that which the governed originally possessed and freely gave for protection thereof. Violation of the law must be assessed by an educated committee or jury. Punishment should then be meeted according to the decided level of infringement. To maintain a sound government, the people should elect fellow citizens to represent them under a constitutionally limited government.

The creation and use of wealth is a vital function of society. It is a natural human tendency that stems from our application of logic to solving our physical needs. As a result, it works best when left to it’s own processes. Some government limitation is required to protect each person's property from carnal human nature. Self-government is the key way to maintain this freedom. When it comes to economics, the individual is the most effective holder of wealth. The larger the entity involved, the more dysfunctional it is for the fluidity of natural economy.

History is a series of cycles caused by the conflict between good and evil. It is the process through which mankind learns the lessons we are here to learn. God has a direct hand in leading history when it is necessary to further his work. Otherwise it is the result of human tendency and interaction. It will continue this way until Christ comes again and overcomes evil by binding the devil. At that time, God will be the sole leader and factor in the course of history.

I believe this all can be summarized in one statement:

God governs all things perfectly, and in His perfect wisdom He provides us with scripture to lead the essential parts of our lives, and leaves it to us to learn and create our own understanding of the world. He gives us the existence and spiritual guidance, and leaves it to us to determine the temporal essence of existence.

What Nature Teaches Me

I do often find myself,

When thinking quietly,

About the world around us, 

What has nature taught to me?

As I see the reds and golds, 

Of Autumn's cheerful glory, 

I see the falling leaves and think, 

What is nature teaching me? 

I watch the wind blow through the grass, 

As the leaves fly from the tree, 

I think of faith, and things not seen, 

The ways nature teaches me! 

I think of winter coming soon, 

Like the Saviors misery, 

Taking color from the world,

What nature teaches me...

But after winter, spring will come,

With all it's brightness be, 

Like Christ rising from the tomb, 

And His nature teach to me! 

Oh Lord my God, what is my part,

In making all men free? 

May nature fill my heart with light, 

By what it teaches me. 

If These Things Fill my Heart

Faith, Hope, Charity, Love,

With an eye set on the glory above! 

I wish it were just that easy,

To be just who He wants me to be...

Faith is believing in what isn't seen,

this is the key to who I'd rather've been. 

It's so hard sometimes to know what to do,

But with it, Christ, will bring me on through!

Hope is something deep down inside,

Sometimes something which I'd like hide.

It is simply something you want to be true,

Sometimes it's something not true about you...

I love you so much, you see, 

I want to give to you through Charity.

Not just with money, so bland.

But by reaching out a caring hand! 

Love is not what you think, it's a verb.

It's how we act on God's mighty word!

Through service and joy and softness of heart,

it's love that shows me just what is my part! 

The last of these points, the hardest of all,

Is constantly keeping my eye on the ball.

It is in the last stanza, the key to my plight, 

If these things fill my heart, then my actions are right! 

From Red to White

From white to red,

From red to white,

The Moon glances down

In the deep of the night.

* * * *

As I gaze toward the Heavens,

And think of the strife,

I can’t help but ponder,

The Lord, my Savior’s life!

* * * *

That despite all His glory,

He came to follow the plan,

And though He was so perfect,

He bled for all of man.

* * * *

And just like the Earth,

Blocking light from the Sun,

The Noble of Birth

Died for everyone.

* * * *

Now as I ponder

The Moon so bright,

Though your sins be scarlet,

Your burdens may be light!

* * * *

I know that I’m His,

This life is not mine,

He has shown to me His love,

In the Moon, in a sign.

* * * *

From white to red,

From red to white,

My Savior can heal me,

In the darkest night.