Letters on immoral society, guns, making a difference

How to live in an immoral society

In considering how one should live in an immoral society, some historical examples may be helpful. At times, the following have been perceived as being immoral: interracial marriage, all abortions, same-sex marriage, allowing equal rights to the Jews. Anyone having even one of these views would consider our current society to be immoral.

What should they do about such immoral behavior? A lot depends upon the nature of society. Is society open or closed? Can one freely express one’s personal beliefs, or will the government impose punishments for the mere expression of belief?

If the society allows free expression, then one should attempt to persuade the majority to agree. If one cannot persuade the majority, one can keep trying and personally refuse to participate in the immoral behavior. However, those who hold public office cannot use that office to impose their personal views upon others. They must find some compromise or else resign. Following one’s conscience is sometimes costly.

Another consideration is whether it is correct that the action is immoral. History shows that people make mistakes about this. In a democratic society, people should present their reasons for their belief. However, the separation of church and state makes purely denominational reasons irrelevant to public issues.

Matters of conscience become extremely difficult when the government is prepared to punish one for one’s belief, as was the case in Nazi Germany. In such a case, morality does not require that one sacrifice oneself or one’s family.

Simply a tool

It is misguided to suggest that the screwdriver serves a useful purpose while a rifle or handgun exists only to kill (Sept. 8 Opinion Line). The screwdriver, when used properly, is used to turn screws or open paint cans and such.

The rifle or handgun, when used properly, is for sport, for providing food, and for protection of self and family from the criminal element in society or from a government that becomes tyrannical. That’s why there’s a Second Amendment.

Firearms, like screwdrivers, are simply tools and are not inherently evil. The evil resulting from the misuse of any tool comes from the hands of those who wield it, not from the tool itself.

Make a difference

I watched the Republican presidential debates last week. The sad reality is that most of us feel that there is nothing we can do, and that we are stuck with what we have.

I have a belief that if I can’t make a difference, then I shouldn’t spend time arguing about something or just talking about it. It is better to find a charity or a person to help, or to do something where you can make a difference.

If we all put our focus there, this could be a pretty incredible world.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on immoral society, guns, making a difference."