One of the classes I'm currently taking is Theology and Sexuality. We're addressing a wide array of topics and what the church and our faith has to say in relation to our sexuality. We're starting to talk about ethical norms and wondering if we can establish an ethical standard with regard to sex.
I've been pondering ethical standards in general lately. Because we're living in a postmodern society, any ethical framework can be and is challenged by any other framework. Is there a framework that can be embraced by all or are we always going to have our own ethical frameworks depending on what subset of the culture we live in and subscribe to? I've often thought about an experience on internship when a book group at the church read and discussed the book Godless Ethics. It is an interesting proposal by a retired Episcopal bishop who both challenges Christian norms and upholds them throughout the book. But the basic premise is to answer the question, "Is there an ethic we can all subscribe to regardless of religion because it's built upon something other than God?" I think the answer is no... which then brings up another question in my mind.
Because I believe that we cannot all subscribe to the same ethical framework, I wonder if there is there a way for us to live together in the midst of our own ethical frameworks and not pronounce judgment on each other based on those frameworks. Basically, is there a way to peacefully coexist while maintaining our own beliefs and convictions? Is this even a legitimate question?
I ask all of this because as I think about sexual ethics in our congregations and the wider church, I have to wonder if it is acceptable for us to have different ideas about what is ethically right and good (while trying to be faithful to the gospel). What will come out of all these conversations the ELCA is having? Anything? A meta ethic we can all subscribe to or continued conversation because we can never agree? Will we ever be able to come to an agreement at all?
I don't know - all sorts of stuff to ponder. =)
Kate
Saturday, September 15, 2007
An Ethical Standard
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In postmodern ethics, MacIntyre (After Virtue) uses the argument that we do not have a common language anymore, and this makes it difficult for us all to come to the table. In Dr. Willard's class at USC, we called it the "Nazi at the table" argument - if all the stakeholders are there, then you have to invite EVERYONE (including those with whom you obviously disagree). It is an even more interesting argument now, than it was 10 years ago when I was first encountering it...and no, I'm not considering seminary next (or ever...)
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