I've been thinking a lot about this one lately.
DOES THE 'END', JUSTIFY THE 'MEANS'?
Never? Always? Sometimes? What if the 'end' is a good and noble thing? What does the 'example' of the way we execute the 'means' teach our children/or others really? What does it say about us? (Publically and privately in those times when it is just us and God.)
I've always had the view that it's about the whole package. The 'means' must be a part of the 'end'. They go together and life's real lessons are about both pieces.
I'm learning others don't see it that way, and I'm conflicted.
Please weigh in.
3 comments:
no the ends dont justify the means remember paul dunn he told stories that were untrue but they taught gospel truths . he had church action just the same.
It's all about character and integrity. There are ALWAYS consequences to our actions -- even if we believe a negative action or behavior is justified in order to achieve a goal. For example, cheating on a test may help us get through a program of study and the degree (which is good) but ultimately our character suffers and we distance ourself from Heavenly Father. (Very simplistic example but I think it makes the point.) There are some VERY difficult situations that could challenge this notion such as someone starving and needing food or dying and needing medicine. But those are very rare for most of us.
I'm amazed that there are some really good people who believe that to do whatever you have to do is ok -- because ultimately you want to do good. That's a dangerous mindset to be in.
Apparently my husband is posting under my name again...I know this because I have no idea what you're asking about. I'm naive until someone does something that makes me learn the meaning of things I don t know about.
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