Very Deep Thoughts

You wouldn't think that the Disney-owned ABC network would be the conduit for philosophical inspiration, but last night's episode of Miracles got me to thinking (and dreaming) about a subject that fascinates me. Good and evil. Right and wrong. In the episode, it's made apparent that there are two distinct forces that could be called Good and Evil. What's not so clear, however, is which is which. People like to talk about morality, knowing the difference between right and wrong. While it's true that the dichotomy exists in most things, who says which side is right and which side is wrong? Killing is bad, saving lives is good. Cleanliness is next to godliness and slovenliness is not very nice. And for those people who like God, God is good. Like the most good there is. And everything written in His little book must outline what is good, and what is bad. What is right and what is wrong. (Funny though, that over the centuries, interpretation and modern times have toned down the severity of judgement in the Old and New Testaments. I'll bet that it's so with the Koran and other religious teachings; the idea of reform.)

Many people would say that because basic human morality (don't kill, steal, cheat, intoxicate yourself, or fornicate) is accepted by the majority of Western Society, it's right. That is, because so many people think murder is wrong, then it must be. But who says? These same people feel it is right to kill under special circumstances (punishment, war), so they modify their perception of right and wrong. It is a perception, isn't it? It isn't a truth. Good and bad are as subjective as art and music, but fewer people are willing to dissent with the prevailing opinion. The only really honest way to live is to create your own personal morality and stick by it. Who knows what happens after we die? So much of our ethics is wrapped up in after-life judgement and punishment. Heaven, hell, karma, purgatory. Wouldn't it be interesting if judgement came from a god of tribal South Americans and everyone who refused to battle their neighbors and eat their flesh would be doomed to an eternity of torment? Hey, at least while I was suffering inexplicable agony, I could feel somewhat vindicated.