Can you explain the unique process Christians use to make moral decisions?

Question

How does it work? Does your God speak to you directly? And, if so, does your moral code change daily, or, do you write his instructions down so you can remember & follow them?

Can you offer any specific examples that demonstrate the superiority of this moral code?

Jews, Christians & Muslims all (allegedly) follow the Ten Commandments, so that is hardly unique.

Thanks, RG. I've been called Santa Claus & Papa Smurf, I think I look like Moses. :-)

The primary reason I asked the question is because several people implied or claimed Christians are more moral than everyone else.

Which is a very bold claim. Bold claims require bold proof and so far I haven't seen any proof, bold or otherwise.

Thanks Luke Lim,

I appreciate you helping me out so I didn't have to point that out. (Christians not required to follow 10 Commandments)

I asked previous questions about that and most people agreed with you.

The rule I live by as an atheist is:

"Intentionally cause no malicious harm."

And I actively live by that rule. I see nothing superior to that in the answers given so far.

Since no one knows what Moses looked like (or whether he even existed), that was supposed to be a joke. :-)

To Beedaduck:

Since I'm going to close out this question, you'll have to respond by comment if you choose to do so.

What do the Ten Commandments have to do with charity or doing anything for anyone else?

Given the fact I actually practice my code, it makes it far more effective than the 10 most people ignore.

Answer 1

Yes, JT, I can.

If they don't like it, it's wrong. If they really don't like it, it's a sin. If it doesn't agree with their own thoughts and behaviors on 9 points out of ten, you are going to hell.

Not really complicated, but it is predictable.

Answer 2

After years of following Jesus, it is easy to make the proper moral decision's that are based on my beliefs. When I first started with Christianity, my conscious would bother me if I started to do, or think about the old things that I use to do. I would get a guilt feeling because I knew it was wrong, so I wouldn't do it. I pray daily for God's guidance to lead me down the right path. There are a lot of things we don't do for the sake of a clear conscious with the Lord, but the final victory is worth it all.

Additional comment:
Oh you wanted bold proof, well I sometimes feel anger at some of the idiotic questions on this post and I want to really speak my mind, but then there comes that feeling again and I know God is telling me not to stoop to their level because they do not know any better. So I say a quick prayer, and let God lead me to answer the way He wants me to.

Answer 3

They read a book... written by ancient men. Laws in this book, though, were around a long time before they even wrote anything of the Bible. A pagan king laid them out in Babylon... Code of Hammurabi. So I don't see how they could demonstrate it.

Besides, it seems the more religious a person is, the less morals they have. They will even commit murder, but claim it's alright since they are "Chosen" of God to do so. So I guess, the blinder the faith, the more deviant they can become.

Answer 4

I don't know why you would think it is some kind of unique method of thinking that sets the moral code of a Christian.
As with anyone else i base my moral decisions on my beliefs and convictions.
While it is true that I use the Biblical teachings as the basis, there are times when the decision that is made is more from the profane heart than spiritual awakenings.
I firmly belief in the death penalty and don't believe in abortion.
I firmly believe in helping others but I'm not going to be used and abused because of it.
I try to do what I feel and think is right.

Answer 5

The wonderful thing about all religions is that they advocate morality/ethics. The bad thing about certain religious groups is that they profess theirs to be THE only true religion; They condemn all others who do not believe in theirs to eternal "hell" What bullshit!
Nature has endowed upon us the faculty for reasoning.. USE it!
Morality need NOT be based on the reward of "heaven" and the threat of "hell". Thank goodness in S'pore there are the Religious Harmony Laws to ensure that there is respect for each others belief/s. My stand is: No one should stand on religious/moral high ground and think that his/her belief is superior to others! Show respect to the hundreds of other beliefs on planet Earth viz: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, Wicca, Asatru, Atheism, etc, and the world will be a better/happier place to live in!
Hundreds of years ago countless wars were waged (and millions perished) because of religious differences (French Wars - 1562 to 1598); The 30-year Wars (1618 to 1648) involving the Romans
Today, nothing has changed (except for the weapons!) - Man are still killing Man because of exactly the same reason, religious intolerance! Even human-kind of the same religions murder each other because of sectarian/racial differences viz Catholics vs Protestants, the Sunnis vs the Shites etc. What moral? At the end of the day, as Mahatma Ghandi once said "There is no god greater than Truth". So, go ahead and believe in whatever you choose to belief without any fear.. as long as BE good and DO good! Never proclaim your belief is the ONLY true one because that's where trouble starts!
Three quotes to sum up MY belief :
* "Reason, observation and Experience - the holy trinity of science" by American philosopher Robert Ingersoll (1833 -1899)
* Man masters Nature not by force but by understanding. This is why science has succeeded where magic failed : because science has looked for no spell to cast on Nature" by British Math & historian Jacob Bronousk (1908 - 1974)
* "Your mind is free. Nothing binds you" author unknown

Answer 6

The easiest thing is:
"Love the lord your God with all you heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself" & the "Golden rule" - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - both taught by Jesus.

More specifically there is Jesus's sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205-7&version=31

Here Jesus expounds the Old Testament law and shows us that the commandment against murder is not simply describing the physical act of taking someone's life, but all acts (even thoughts) which tear down another person, belittle them, or treat them like garbage - even hating someone in your heart or calling them a name like "you idiot" is forbidden under this commandment.

He also shows us that the commandment against adultery is not simply against the physical act of adultery, but against every thought and attitude that may lead to adultery or treat others as sexual objects including lusting after a woman or man that you see - this too is forbidden.

Even past that, is a daily reading of Jesus's life and teachings including the Old and New Testaments - this is why Christians read the bible daily and put such an emphasis on it, so that we will understand in context all of the instructions of Jesus and put them into practice in our lives.

Answer 7

No I can't explain the process Christians used to make moral decisions. Because Christians are humans who are bound by their imperfect flesh.

By the way, Christians are delivered from being a slave to the Ten Commandments. Christ fulfilled them and we are in Christ so as far as God is concerned, we can make no wrong or do no wrong forever. All our sins are forgiven and paid for by Christ.

Have a nice day.

Answer 8

What makes you think the christian moral code is superior? The moral code is written in everyones heart and mind, whether they are christian or not, the "process" is thinking, considering the outcome and the effects it may have on ones self or others. Is it morally right for you to be so negative towards people who are not carbon copies of yourself? The superiority of any group is in having a moral code, and it is my understanding that non christians have one too, although I'm beginning to question yours.

Answer 9

I t is not a unique process.
Examples come in everyday life.
I did not see the superiority message.
In respect to the moral code I can say they are outlined for the Christian base.
Can you say the same for Atheism or is your code based in the moment?

Curious......
How do you know you look like Moses or is that wishful thinking?

Answer 10

Well, it is undeniable that the 10 commandments are important. All believers need to understand what God had wanted for his people, and use the 10 commandments and apply it to the various decisions they make in life.

What is unique to Christians, however, is the understanding of God's grace. When we fully appreciate how God had sent his son, Jesus, to die for us and atone us from the sins, and deliver us from judgement, then could we give thanks through renewing our lives, and living a life that God wants us to.

It is not for the fear of judgement or hell that we make good moral decisions, rather, it should be an act of love for God, and to thank Him for loving us and giving us a chance to get close to him. With this love and gratefulness, then can we make moral decisions.

Answer 11

We make our moral decisions and attempt to correctly follow through with them, knowing that we are always subject to the close scrutiny of God.

Whether our results are ultimately superior to those of anyone else depends on how serious we are about making proper use of the grace that God provides for all of us (even atheists).

The choice is always our own.