In our country where we believe in democratic principles, laws are passed by the majority vote of elected representatives (who were elected by getting the largest share of the vote – not necessarily a majority if there were more than two candidates).\u00a0 So, “majority rule” sets the tone in our country.<\/p>\n
Does that mean that the ‘majority’ determines right and wrong?\u00a0 It seems that is the direction things are headed.\u00a0 While many people still hold onto some spirituality, relativism is spreading.\u00a0 Relativism says you can believe whatever you want as long as it doesn’t affect anyone else.\u00a0 Thus, relativism says there is no universal truth.\u00a0 This can lead to a minimalist approach to laws.\u00a0 Since there is no one truth for everyone, people should be able to do whatever they want as long as no one else is hurt<\/em>.\u00a0 So, laws are passed only to stop people hurting others.<\/p>\n Yet that isn’t what is happening.\u00a0 In fact, governments are now passing laws that say people can do something <\/em>(such as with legislation concerning same sex marriage) rather than just what they can’t do to protect others.\u00a0 (These people tend not to include affects on the good of society as arguments for how our actions affect others).<\/p>\n People also seem to think that if psychology or genetics can explain some human behaviors, then it is OK.\u00a0 For those who do believe in God, the genetic argument can become “God made me this way, it must be OK.”\u00a0 If you believe God is involved in our individual lives in that way, the argument sees to carry some <\/em>merit.\u00a0 Does that mean it is OK to be an alcoholic if alcoholism is caused by genetics?\u00a0 By this reasoning, God made them that way.<\/p>\n Please don’t take the last paragraph too literally<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 It is an oversimplification of an argument that I use only to make a point.\u00a0 In fact, when we look to determine right and wrong, it is God who we must turn to.\u00a0 God is the only one who is all-knowing.\u00a0 God is the only one who can see how it all fits together.\u00a0 We cannot\u00a0foresee all the consequences of our actions.\u00a0 So, we turn to God as the one who determines what is right and wrong.<\/p>\n The challenge we face is to know God’s Will.\u00a0 It comes from scripture, tradition, and the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and right judgment from the Holy Spirit help us apply to the events of our lives.\u00a0 God’s Will is not determined by a majority vote.\u00a0 May we always trust in God as the one who knows what is right.<\/p>\n Peace,<\/p>\n Fr. Jeff<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In our country where we believe in democratic principles, laws are passed by the majority vote of elected representatives (who were elected by getting the largest share of the vote – not necessarily a majority if there were more than two candidates).\u00a0 So, “majority rule” sets the tone in our country. Does that mean that …<\/p>\n