As I reflect upon it, it’s interesting to think about how my morality has evolved over time. When I was younger, a lot the whole of my morality was based around people who have hurt me. I did not want to be like the bullies at school, or like my father. So I was going to be fair and have integrity.
Then I went to undergrad and studied social work. I was definitely going to be fair, and ethical. In fact, all I had was my ethics. If I wasn’t ethical, I was a crappy social worker.
Then I got to work. For part of that time, it felt like my ethics were gone. Like, as long as I went through the motions, I was doing good enough. But I didn’t feel morality bubbling up from inside me. And now that I’ve stepped away from it for us for a time, I can see I wasn’t a very good professional.
Now, my personal morality comes from a more wise place. For guidance, I look to the Holy Spirit, who talks to me through other people, experiences and prayers.
The beliefs of others are not my business. Their morality is not my business. I will not try to change or influence it.
Thanks to Sreejit for reopening his Dungeon Prompts with this week’s “Moral Authority!”
And earlier response I had to this prompt.
I Didn't Just Wake Up This Morning With A Craving 
Yey, you’re the first person to contribute to the new prompts. Morality is definitely a journey and I think it’s good when people can grow and change with it over the years because they then are probably better able to understand other people and where they’re coming from. Nice to hear from you!
I was so glad to see there was a response to Sreejit’s prompt. I really enjoyed reading your reflections. I particularly liked: “The beliefs of others are not my business.” I generally believe that although I wonder if that fits when people are doing harm. You’ve given me lots to think about.
Thank you; I’m glad you got something out of them. When I wrote that, I was more thinking along the lines of: it’s not my duty to change someone else’s beliefs i.e. proselytize. Their beliefs are theirs, for their own reasons. In the case of them causing harm, I would hope I could separate their beliefs from their actions, though both are choices. (Oooh – is a belief a choice? I never thought about that before.) That is probably easier for me to say as I am not currently on the receiving end of harmful actions. You’ve given me lots to think about, too! Thanks for commenting!
I finished my Moral Authority piece a little while ago. I’m going to “sleep on it” and then post it in the morning! (I’m in India now so am 12 1/2 hours ahead of the U.S.
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know!
Your post truly spoke to me from beginning to the end. Our past and history shapes us and offers many opportunities to do. better or not. What moved me beyond words was: ‘For guidance, I look to the Holy Spirit, who talks to me through other people, experiences and prayers.’ It takes a wise and enlightened person to be aware of this.
Wow! Thank you for reading! That is a high compliment, particularly given how reflective your own submission was.
I agree that we notice the good role models far less than we notice those who fall short. (As we point out the splinter in someone’s eye, ignoring the plank in our own.) It made me wonder about who my own role models are, people more modern day than Jesus and Mary Magdalene. 🙂
I think Jesus will never be outdated [says the baby boomer] 🙂
Ha! “Jesus is just alright with me.”