Morality

In searching and understanding the concept of morality and human wickedness, a few bits of information can be used to learn about this topic. Through various resources, I have compiled a fairly adequate, or what seems to be, proper broad understanding of this topic. The first of these is from C.S. Lewis, as described in the book, the Problem of Pain. In this, he speaks of how as humans we have placed the focus on kindness within morality. He states how we feel kindness to be really good, and cruelty to be really bad. A great quote to help the understanding of this is how “everyone feels benevolent if nothing happens to be annoying him at the moment.” This is simply amusing, because we can see how people can be like this. To some kindness is something that happens at moments, taking up a specific time, but rather could one think of kindness as an attitude? Could one have a disposition of kindness instead of cruelty?

The understanding of morality must find itself within the realm of shame. Shame is something that can be very dangerous to many. Shame seems as if it is a mysterious creation used to lead people to a certain (negative) place. Many important points can be quoted from Lewis in the learning of shame and moral activity. The first of these is guarding one’s self from being deceived by looking outside of things. The second of these is basing a guilt that is on a corporate influence, which can distract someone from themselves. The third is the understanding that time does not cancel out a sin (without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, no guilt can be taken away). The fourth is protecting one’s self from the idea of safety within numbers. These are some safeguards that can be understood to reveal a proper understanding of this guilt and morals.

Other authors can provide us with some insights on the topic. Donald Miller states that people want morals. He attempts to spread the concept that morals should be seen as “beautiful and alive”. But, he also leads us to the great understanding that morals do not bring redemption. This is that same idea that Lewis was speaking about, but with time. Neither time nor morals can wash away guilt but only Jesus’ Sacrifice. Through this Miller states that the motive that one should have for morality is love. This is love because God is perfect, and in a way of imitation of God we should be moral. So loving God is being like God, in turn being moral. Through this there should be morals for the sake of other men, and other people because morality can provide protection.