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Do you follow the moral or written law?

Those that constitute the majority of our society would probably consent that written law is a necessity for the public, and that written law is a good basis for justice due to its democratic roots-it is made by the people, for the people.

However, there are others, including myself, who believe that there are certain moral principles that should guide an individual’s actions even if they lead him or her to break the law.

Would anyone here agree that following a life of moral principles would sometimes pit one against the legal system? And if so, which should matter more? I am a firm believer that moral, ethical principles apply to all humanity. Also, I believe that humans are prone to lapses in moral judgement, which results in terrible laws (such as slavery). Only through breaking those laws do we have the chance to change them and apply justice.

So what do you think? Do morals apply to people everywhere, and should they override laws? In an ideal world, laws would be based off these moral principles, but thanks to natural human corruption, this isn’t possible.

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Answer #1

Governments and laws are not just or moral by nature. They are imperfect institutions made up of imperfect people, who are sometimes prone to injustice. We follow some laws because we believe them to be moral and beneficial for society. We follow others because governments have the power to enforce them. Henry David Thoreau believed we should not follow these other laws if they are morally wrong. He wrote an essay called “On Civil Disobedience”. Here’s what he said about this:

“t’is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right.… Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice.”

In other words, just because the government says to do something, doesn’t mean it’s right or that you should do it.

Answer #2

I agree with you that there are times when laws are immoral. I would say that the basic premise should be to follow the laws of your country at all points except for the rare occasions when they are immoral. That might mean that we accept illogical or merely annoying laws, because who are we to say that we undestand the reasons for them better than those who made them? But, it’s true, sometimes you come across a law which is truly wrong, rather than merely annoying. And obviously, in some countries and at some periods, corrupt governments have made evil laws.

Those who have resisted bad laws, by helping Jews, by worshipping in Communist countries, by telling the truth in their media, or whatever, are the ones who follow what you are calling ‘moral law’. That’s a brave decision and I understand why some people don’t dare, but I hope, as a Christian, that I would have the courage to do that.

Answer #3

Right or wrong, written laws have to govern. Written laws are created by the will of the majority and if found wrong, can be changed. Written laws protect the society as a whole.

What’s “moral” to one person may be immoral to another. Therefor society can’t be governed by morals.

Answer #4

Would I break the law if it was in conflict with my personal ethics? That depends on the likely consequences really.

My ultimate judgement of right and wrong is determined by the likely consequences. I do not blindly defer to either the legal system, to ancient books, or even to my own sense of fairness.

Answer #5

The moral law is written in our heart by God.

I know plenty of non-believers (myself included) with a BETTER understanding of ‘right & wrong’ than a large percentage of theists. It has more to do with intelligence & proper upbringing…

Answer #6

Government and its laws are not (or at least shouldn’t be) based on morals. The are based on civil rights. You can not legislate morals.

A great example of the evils of laws being based on morals is the gay marriage issue. Allowing gays to marry does not violate anyone elses rights, but denying them the right to marry whom they choose, does violate their civil rights. Just because it is deemed immoral to many people, even a majority of them, is not justification for creating laws based purely on some peoples morals.

Morals are personal, laws are for society, and one should have nothing to do with the other.

Answer #7

how can there be rule by morals if we all have different morals? of course there has to be written law if anarchy doesnt work (which I believe it cant) then how will a mysterious and vague type of government work sigh I hate repeating myself but oh well… NOT ALL PEOPLE BELIEVE IN YOUR ‘ALMIGHTY’ GOD

Answer #8

I don’t believe in God as you describe him. I’m not a Christian, or a Jew, or a member of any organized religion, yet I am not an atheist or agnostic. I believe that these morals have imprinted in our minds as a result of the evolution of society. Without these morals, there’s no way society would be effective. Without them, there would be too much conflict between people. I could really go into a psychological analysis here as well, but I’ll sum it up: The higher levels of morality are primarily based upon an individual’s own set of morals that they develop with experience. Individuals will also develop the morals they were programmed to develop since birth (Nature and Nurture at work here).

Answer #9

The moral law is written in our heart by God. Deep within we know right from wrong. The written law has been interpreted from each country’s constitution and as people we are all fallible.

I follow He Who is Faithful and True. And If I cannot be consistent, then Jesus would be a lll…li…llliiiaa…liar.

Blessings for posting a Q that may lead to someone’s salvation!

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