The tension in this country is alarming. Many people are angry. There are polarizing cultural issues. There are passionate differences about politics. How is the Christian to navigate these topics? How can a Christian have a meaningful spiritual discussion, effectively navigating verbal landmines that could explode into quarreling, or worse?
Perhaps Christians could respectfully ask a question about morality.
SUGGESTION
When a polarizing or sensitive topic comes up in discussion, it can be intimidating. You may wonder if you should engage. What should you say, if anything? What if you misspeak? What if you say something that might be offensive to someone? The wrong word(s) could trigger an explosive response.
But Christians are not called to be cowards. We are called to stand for truth. We are called to be bold and courageous.
Additionally, we are told to be sensible in how we deal with people. Consider what Jesus said to His twelve disciples when He sent them out into the world:
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 NIV emphasis added)
Jesus’ instruction was to be innocent, but also “shrewd,” which I underlined. The Greek word “phronimos” means to be thoughtful, wise and prudent.[1]
So how can we stand for truth, while also being thoughtful and wise in a volatile culture? How do we have a discussion about sensitive topics and navigate potential verbal landmines? Below is a question that could be used for multiple political or cultural topics:
“Since that topic is about morality, what do you believe is the source of morality?” Or an alternative: “Do you think morality comes from people or God?”
Notice that the question sidesteps giving a direct answer to the topic at hand, but focuses on what is fundamental to the discussion – morality. It offers two broach choices: 1.) moral rules are created by people; or 2.) they come from a divine source – God.
Is there another option for the source of morality, besides these two? Technically yes. One idea is that moral principles just exist in the universe; but, this is an arbitrary idea, not really considered a viable option. Why? If moral principles just exist, why are they tethered to human beings, making people obligated to follow them? This idea is not reasonable.
The source of morality really comes down to two choices: either morality comes from people (a social contract determined by society so that we can coexist) or God. Depending on the answer someone offers, there are good follow-up questions:
PEOPLE: If someone replies that morality comes from people (e.g. society determines moral rules), then the follow-up question is: If people/society determine morality, was it okay when society in the U.S. deemed slavery to be acceptable? Of course not! This demonstrates that society really doesn’t determine morality. You can use a different example than slavery, such as the atrocities of Nazi Germany. The point is to provide historical examples when society was obviously wrong about moral rules. Consequently society cannot be the ultimate source. Rather the ultimate source of morality transcends society, which is why we can judge the morality of each society.
Another way to approach this is to say that if morality is derived from people, then each person could have their own morality. But again, we don’t accept this at all. We admonish individuals who have beliefs we consider immoral, such as racism. We tell them they are wrong, and rightly so, appealing to a standard of morality beyond their opinion.
Consequently, the source of morality must transcend people/society. If society is not the source of morality, isn’t God the best explanation?
GOD: I agree – this is the best explanation for morality. But then the follow-up question is: “If God is the source of morality, are we following God’s rules? If God is the source of morality, are we letting the preferences of society dictate or influence moral rules and values rather than adhering to God’s Word? We are trying to point out a potential inconsistency: even though it makes sense that God is the ultimate source for morality, the culture is not always seeking to follow God’s moral rules.
The proposed line of questioning above is a good way to respond to sensitive moral issues, since it allows you to redirect the focus from that issue to an essential topic – the truth about God. It may even provide an opportunity to share the Gospel. This is NOT to say Christians should always avoid offering a direct response; but rather we need to be wise about the best response given the circumstances.
For more information about morality, check out: Why is God the best explanation for the existence of morality?
RELIGION
Jesus claimed to be God and proved it. He provides an example to His followers in so many ways, including how to respond to hostile situations.
Jesus was masterful in responding to those who verbally opposed Him. As recorded in chapter 22 of Matthew’s Gospel, Jewish leaders made three attempts to trap Jesus. He shrewdly responded with questions; then posed His own question to make a point:
While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?" "David's," they told Him. He asked them,"How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him 'Lord': The Lord declared to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet' ? "If David calls Him 'Lord,' how then can the Messiah be his Son?" No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him any more. (Matthew 22:41-46 CSB)
Why do I share this? To show that Jesus used questions to respond to others and make a point. He asked a question about the Old Testament, which the Pharisees followed, to make a point about the Messiah.
We can follow His example in using questions. Consider respectfully asking a question about morality to point the discussion to God.
Summary Point:
Primary question: What is the source of morality? People or God?
PEOPLE: How can this be if society has been wrong about morality? In other words, doesn’t there seem to be a moral standard by which we judge each society?
GOD: Are we truly following God’s rules, adhering to the teaching of the Bible? If God is the author of morality, isn’t it wrong to allow culture to influence our moral beliefs; and isn’t it wrong to force our preference on interpreting Scripture to fit our desire?
[1]The Apologetics Study Bible. Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville, TN © 2007, pg. 2306.
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