Are Your Morals The Same As When You Were A Witness? (page 4)

minimus

This is quite interesting. It seems like we don't want to strictly define "morality". The adherence to rules is a foundation to be a "moral" person----according to some definitions. But if we choose to think that we should not adhere to any rules, then the question is inapplicable.

Finally-Free

I don't know if it's possible to strictly define morality. Every person is different and has their own set of values and ethics based on their own beliefs and personal experiences. I do believe that I'm a more ethical person today than I was previously when I allowed others to police my personal ethics.

W

Awakened07

I think a 'moral' person is one who lives by a set of standards that do not hurt anyone else directly or indirectly(if possible), does not judge others by his own standards and generally does good to others.

Sexual morality as we've learned it through the Bible was established to create order among the people and to avoid deceases and unwanted pregnancies, I'd guess. But I don't know that I would call someone immoral for having sex, unless it hurt someone directly or indirectly.

As for me, my life is pretty much the same as it was when I was active, so in that sense I'd say I'm just as moral. Other than that I mirror what nvrgnbk said.

Dagney

My morals are better since I left. Looking back...I don't know why I did what I did, frustration, escape...dunno.

Now...whole different ballgame.

minimus

Well then, if I get to pick what "moral" means, I'm clearly a very moral man since I don't try to hurt anybody. And if I were "promiscuious" by someone's standards, too bad. Because you can't define morality. It's an individual thing, I guess.

Well, ain't that a kicker?

sweetface2233

The definition of morals is "motivation based on ideas of right and wrong".

My morals could be completely different than everyone else's. Since my beliefs have changed, my ideas of what is right and wrong have changed, as well. In my opinion, no one has the right to force their morals and ethics, ideas of right and wrong, on other people. I don't believe that anyone is entitled to anything that isn't rightfully theirs, i.e. stealing, rape, etc. However, in the case of cheating on one's significant other...people cheat for reasons, no one is the property of anyone else, and we are all imperfect and sometimes make decisions which are completely out of character for us.

RAF

I don't think I ever really had a moral ... only feelings about things

minimus

So, morality is simply based upon whatever one thinks it is.

Finally-Free

Well then, if I get to pick what "moral" means, I'm clearly a very moral man since I don't try to hurt anybody. And if I were "promiscuious" by someone's standards, too bad. Because you can't define morality. It's an individual thing, I guess.
Well, ain't that a kicker?

That's right. As long as you're not breaking any law or otherwise hurting anyone, no one has the right to tell you what you can or cannot do. W

under_believer

I don't believe that the Bible is inspired, anymore, but it contains the best statement of morality that has ever been penned in the history of mankind:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

You live by that, you are a de facto moral person. That's all you need. Think about any specific moral statements--"Don't shag your best friend's spouse," "Don't kill millions of helpless members of a subjugated racial minority," "Leave the toilet lid down after you go potty," "Donate blood to the American Red Cross," "Don't beat up your kids." All of them come back to that one statement.

Now, as to the question of whether I'm a more moral person now that I've thrown off the shackles of JW thought: Absolutely, no question.

Was I moral when I...
* looked around at everyone and thought I was better than them because I was in "the truth?"
* didn't donate blood to the Red Cross?
* didn't vote?
* bugged people relaxing on the morning of one of their one or two days off accept two pieces of literature, printed on dead trees, which I knew for a fact they would just throw in the garbage as soon as I left?
* prayed for the death of six billion people to come sooner?
* spoke from the platform authoritatively on subjects that I absolutely did not believe to be true?

I was worried about my morality when I left the Witnesses. How could I not be? I'd been indoctrinated that the only source of morality was participation in "five" meetings a week and a personal study and prayer and field ministry and "Christian" association and a relationship with Jehovah.

Nevertheless I didn't turn into a drug-dealing chain-smoking hooker-using child-killing jerk. I achieved a higher level of morality than I had before.

Morality is why I LEFT the Witnesses.

Are Your Morals The Same As When You Were A Witness?

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