I personally think that different people study morality for different reasons. Morality has a different meaning for each person. We study morality in order to perfect ourselves I think. Moral issues sorround us everyday. They are everywhere we turn. By studying morality, we are able to study ourselves. Oftentimes we don't act the way we should, or the way we would like to. Why is it so hard to tell the truth and be nice to people? I don' think that anyone truly knows. However, by studying morality we can begin choosing the right moral decisions, whether it is in sexuality, driving, or whatever else may be our kryptonite. Also, we can take what we study and apply it to everyday life. We can look at issues in the news, and pick out the moral rights and wrongs. Also, we can begin seeing the significance of songs, and books, and movies that address moral issues, and pick up on their key ideas, and further apply these to our own life. By studying morality, we are not only learning about those around us, but also about ourselves, and how to make ourselves better people and better Christians.
2. What "morality" did you grow up with?
I grew up in a family with very high standards. My brother and I were taught manners at a very young age, and we often complimented when we went out to eat with my grandma and my mom. I don't mean to say that manners were everything. Moral excellence was stressed also. I remember that learning why lying was wrong, and being told why we shouldn't do it. I believe that my parents did such a good job of raising me that way that it isn't really a problem for me now. I am by no means perfect, but I don't feel like it is a huge burden or temptation. If I had to assign a title to the "morality" that I grew up with, I think that I would call it "excellence." Excellence in everything is what I grew up with, and hopefully I have done a pretty good job with it. I know perfection isn't possible, but I grew up learning to try for it.
3. Why do people do wrong?
I think that people do wrong for a combination of many different reasons now-adays. The media encourages it in a way. Whenever a celebrity of someone famous does something wrong they get maybe a little slap on the wrist and that's all. They hardly ever suffer any consequences. Money gives people a lot of power. Which is another reason that they do wrong. They think that if they can get money, they too can have a share in that power. People, when tempted by greed, will do some pretty stupid things, and go to extreme measures, when many times it is pointless. That, I think is the main reason for people doing wrong. They are greedy and want someting very badly. The more and more they do things wrong, and get away with them, the more they are persuaded to continue. However, all it takes is to get into trouble one time.
4. What value have you inherited?
From spending all the years of my life with my mom, I think that I have ingerited her tendency to strive for perfection, and thus worry about things a lot. Striving for perfection is a good thing most of the time, however when it gets too obsessive it crosses the line. I don't think that one can be a perfectionist without worrying all the time. I think it's good that I have such high goals, but sometimes I wish I could be looser about things, I am just not sure how, or if I can teach myself to be.
5. What is the present state of your own morality?
I personally think that I am in a pretty good place with my own morality right now. I feel like I make pretty good decisions, and am often happy with them. I know that when I don't make a good decision it really bothers me afterwards, and I regret it. While driving, I feel confident that my decisions are good, and quite frankly, the other people out there scare me a lot. Regarding sexuality, I feel that I make good decisions. An area that sticks out to me that I could improve would be my relationship with my friends. We often poke fun at each other, and it's usually harmless. It really bothers me when they're grumpy of something like that, so I joke with them and try to cheer them up, but I think that it sometimes has the reverse effect.
6. A topic that I would like to write about that is not on the list would be "my cave."
Part Three: An image that reminds me of "why study morality."
After studying Morality, when confronted with moral issues, will I choose the better path, if not, hopefully I would at least be able to recognize it.
Part Five: From this study, what could I do to make myself a better person?
I think that if i take time to look at issues before jumping in and making a decision right away, I will be able to ingest it and hopefully make an educated decision, with an informed conscience, that I will not regret later.