Holidays are times of celebration and cheerfulness. In this atmosphere, people have a tendency to feel friendlier and more magnanimous. They may also reflect upon the origin and meaning of the holiday itself. Quite possibly, they may even put those reflections into a more personal context, become introspective, and take a look at what the holiday represents in their own lives.
While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, it is important to remember that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all based on the very same Old Testament of the Bible. Those faiths all revere the Old Testament as a guide for how to best live our lives. It teaches us lessons about right versus wrong, defining the morals we are encouraged to embrace. Perhaps NOW- during this season of cheerfulness, nostalgia, and enhanced openness toward introspection- is a good time to evaluate our moral code.
About the Quiz
Answer the following questions honestly, for yourself. No one else need ever know your answers. The point is to see typical moral issues in writing so you are inclined to think about them. When answering, consider ONLY the exceptions noted.
Answer Yes or No: Do you believe it is OK to:
- Cause physical harm to another person? [Exception: acting in self-defense.]
- Impose your own will on another adult person? [Exception: preventing another from harming him/herself or others.]
- Purposely cause psychological pain to another using degrading name-calling or by berating them, no matter the reason or impetus to do so?
- Treat anyone with incivility or disrespect?
- Deliberately lie to another? [Exception: when facing mortal danger.]
- Steal from a person, business, or other entity?
- Break a promise to an individual or a group of people? [Exception: when facing harm to own psyche or body.]
- Make a promise you know you cannot keep, or one you do not intend to honor?
- Fail to speak up or intervene for those being harmed by others? [Exception: when doing so might cause even more harm.]
- Ignore your own sense of right and wrong, even if you think “the end might justify the means?”
Most probably, few of us would answer “yes, it’s OK” to more than a few of these questions. Yet it is just as likely that each of us has done some of the things we believe are wrong. We are human, after all. We rationalize our decisions by defending them and claiming circumstances or other people have “forced” our hand. Nevertheless, deep inside, we know the truth when we decide to LOOK inside and understand ourselves. Introspection is a beautiful thing! It gives us the opportunity to make reparations when we have chosen to ignore our moral compass.
As we celebrate the holidays, let us also celebrate each other! We are good and moral people who sometimes need to be forgiven, who sometimes need to forgive. Cherish the chance to be a part of the giving, the receiving. The Golden Rule cannot be wrapped in glitzy paper and bows, but it is the best gift we have to offer.