(Under Construction) A good compass will faithfully point towards magnetic north. This is its value and utility to determine a reference direction of north thus providing a relative direction to an intended location or destination. A compass that would point in random directions, or one that acted like a weather-vane, would be of little value in navigation. A firm standard reference direction is essential to the usefulness of the compass.
Do you have a “Moral Compass?” Is there a reference standard of morality in your life that does not vary, point in random directions, or acts like a weather-vane? Some people navigate their way through life with no direction other than what “feels good.” While this might work well for Bart Simpson or some other fictional cartoon character, it generally provides a formula for disaster, for many of the things in life that are good for us, do not feel good at the moment (e.g., getting up and going to school or work every morning).
Some people build their own compass. A friend of mine wrote a song, (one of my favorites), a line of which describes a person who builds his own compass and writes his own rules. This moral compass points in an uncertain variable direction. It can be a lonely journey through life, since this self determined set of rules is likely unique, and may fail to take advantage of the wisdom, and yes, the mistakes of others.
I hear and read of many things described as “moral” or “immoral” with an uncertain reference of exactly what has landed the opinion or action in either category. Things like calling a border wall “immoral”, or calling abortion “moral”. A moral compass should point toward “good” and lead one away from “bad”. But what I call “good” or “bad” may differ from what the next person calls good or bad. Additionally, some items are simply a matter of a personal decision and are not moral questions (e.g., do I like broccoli or enjoy golf).
Morality that is not firmly established can “drift” off course, sometimes imperceptibly. The “Overton window” process can drag moral acceptance in one direction or another, such that things that were once unthinkable gradually and slowly work their way into moral social acceptance. The irony of this process is that as the window moves, the view that once was moral, is now immoral, as the once immoral becomes moral. Don’t believe me? Try openly criticizing homosexuality, gay marriage, or transvestism. You will quickly discover you have suddenly become the immoral bigot. Criticize abortion and you’re sexist. Don’t like uncontrolled immigration and open borders? Must be a racist. Sadly, instead of any attempt to rationally discuss the subject is sidelined by personal attacks. The compass points gradually in a totally new direction, with little willingness to consider potential negative ramifications.
So what is a true moral compass? One that points consistently in the direction of good. I would make the case that the Bible/Ten Commandments would make the best source of a stable standard source for determining what constitutes a moral magnetic north. Some issues may be subject to interpretation, but there is a simplicity to much of what is contained as direction and commandments contained in God’s word.
Lost in the Fog 