This morning I found myself in a church where I had been precisely once before–in 1994. Back then I was a 24-year-old nitwit, as opposed to the 40-year-old nitwit I am now.
Being back in this place, I realized: By the grace of God, I managed to spend most of my twenties praying. Then I realized: Dude, you pretty much spent your thirties praying, too.
So I may be a nitwit. But at least I have this going for me.
AND I know God loves me, because: Last year the Hoyas beat Duke. This year the Hoyas don’t even play Duke (except maybe in the NCAA tournament). But this year, the Hokies beat Duke!
Tech beating the little blueys was not the victory of the day yesterday, however. The victory of the day was Brigham Young marching into southern California, confronting an arena full of losers dressed-up as Mormon missionaries in mockery, and proceeding to whup San Diego State’s butt.
…Listen, I don’t mean to pester you. But we really have to deal with the metaphysics of morality. We have not begun to scratch the surface.
So far we have: the existence of God and religion. There is a moral law revealed by God, the Ten Commandments. We will face judgment and will either be punished or pitied. Faith is the foundation of morals.
But this is clearly not the whole story. There are non-believers with impeccable morals. Also, the Ten Commandments do not apply themselves to particular cases. One person may have a duty to act in one way, and another person in a different way, under identical circumstances.
And there is more: Don’t we perceive our options according to our habits? The question of whether or not to spend $2.50 for a cup of coffee is an altogether different question for someone who does so regularly versus someone who does not.
If we are going to be judged–and we are–then what are we going to be judged ON? Understanding how the Olympic judges score gymnastic routines is hard enough. What exactly are their criteria? But what about the all-knowing divine Judge? What are HIS?
Chime in, people.
Father Mark White Blog 
I’ll start by quoting Matthew Ch 7: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
So, a first criteria, which applies universally regardless of belief is, “Did you live up to yourself?” Completely internal. Incomplete, yes. But it’s a start. “To thine own self…” I can’t remember the rest.
Okay, if one had spent most of their 20’s and 30’s praying, they would have several things going for them. First, they might very well more closely cleave to God’s plan for themselves than someone who just got God’s plan viscerally from their parents and/or other primary care takers. Second, they might very well be in a position to “deal with the metaphysics of morality.” Third, if they found themselves with a raft of theological and worldly knowledge, coupled with a facility to communicate articulately, they might well be able to continue the discussion of moral metaphysics to the enlightenment of all. Fourth, in the process, they just might lead others to HIM.
In the meantime, the expansion of knowledge alone is sufficient cause to continue the discussion. Jimmer Fredette, the very idea. The way those San Diego State fans carried on, you’d think they never walked the streets of Trinidad.
LIH,
joe
By the grace of God, may you also spend your 40s praying! 🙂 And, may we all be nitwits together!
You said: “Also, the Ten Commandments do not apply themselves to particular cases. One person may have a duty to act in one way, and another person in a different way, under identical circumstances.”
How is it possible that the Ten Commandments do not apply themselves to particular cases? Yes, different people may have a duty to different responses in identical circumstances, but, in a metaphysically moral way, both responses would only be morally right within the freedom of the Ten Commandments.
What are we to be judged on? Is this somehow related to the meaning of life? (To know Him, to love Him and to serve Him?)
I know, no answers – except in my own mind – only more questions.
As I age I have become more certain that in the end, all that will matter is the integrity of our relationships. How well have we loved and how selfless our encounters with others, who in fact, are the very image of God Himself.
When I read Geneses, I see Adam and Eve judging themselves rather than being judged. By ignoring God’s wishes, their eyes were opened to their own attack on their relationship with God. They covered themselves since now they were ashamed and even hid their entire persons from Him. When He arrives they are already well aware of their selfish decision and filled with remorse.
He had given to them, as He did to the angels, the freedom to return His love or to act in their own self interest. In reality He did not Judge them, but allowed them the freedom to decide to act or not to act with love towards Him.
Your thoughts?