A Moral Compass

Introduction

Throughout my life, I have frequently reflected on the state of my moral compass, especially after considering the events and choices described in each of the following paragraphs.

Personal Reflections on Morality

My life has been a tapestry woven with both good and bad deeds. The mistakes and wrongdoings of my past, particularly during my teenage years, have brought me regret and embarrassment, prompting me to express these feelings through poetry. While most of my adult years have been unremarkable, certain unhealthy behaviors like smoking and drinking have persisted, though I do not necessarily consider them immoral. After examining these aspects, I check my moral compass.

The subject of sex is often viewed as immoral by many. According to a study from Ohio State University, men think about sex approximately 19 times per day, just one more time than women do. My upbringing in a religion that was preoccupied with thoughts of sex as sin taught me conflicting lessons: that simply having the thought was equivalent to committing the sin, but also that such beliefs were nonsense. These teachings have undeniably influenced my sense of morality throughout my life. Check.

I have experienced being lied to, cheated, occasionally beaten, chosen last for sports, and even sexually molested. It is common for people, myself included, to see themselves as victims more often than as perpetrators. I still harbor desires for revenge against those who have harmed me or my family, but as I approach my 80th birthday, most of them have passed away. Double check.

Complexities of Moral Judgment

My political and social identity is not easily defined; few would call me a bleeding-heart liberal, and being labeled a “snowflake” could have serious consequences. While I do not believe I would harm anyone unless in self-defense, I am not entirely certain. This uncertainty is why I carry a camera rather than a gun. Check.

I strive to be polite and kind, to help others, and to do the right thing simply because it is right, as advised by Catholic priests. I do not tie my values to religious scripture or notions of heaven and hell. Check.

My wife faced a situation where she was advised by a sibling to forgive another sibling based on biblical teachings. She responded that she had forgiven, not because the Bible said so, but because it was the right thing to do. However, she would not resume the relationship without genuine contrition and apology. She checks.

Defining a Moral Compass

Merriam-Webster defines a moral compass as “a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior: an internal sense of right and wrong.” I pause to reflect on my own compass.

Decisions and judgments are internal, but behavior is what others can observe. Can a person’s moral compass truly be discerned from their actions alone? Words are often less reliable, yet sometimes all we have to assess someone’s morality is what they say. I judge the compass.

Morality and Belief Systems

Many believers view atheists as lacking a moral compass or foundation. In several societies, including the United States, this perception is prevalent, leading to the belief that atheists cannot distinguish right from wrong. If this were genuinely the case, it would serve as an insanity defense in court. Checks record.

Atheists strongly disagree with this assessment. Some atheists and agnostics even claim to uphold a higher moral standard than many believers. I urge caution in making such comparisons. Check.

There are two primary challenges to evaluating morality across groups. First, what is true for some members of a group is not necessarily true for all. Second, definitions and interpretations of morality vary, depending on the perspective and values of the individual in question. Checks dictionary and point of view.

Research and Perceptions of Morality

Social research does compare the morality of believers and atheists, but it often focuses on perceptions rather than behaviors. Standards for interpreting situations differ from person to person; for example, two individuals may have distinct ideas about what constitutes politeness or offensiveness. Calibrates compass.

Studies show that neither believers nor atheists are inherently more moral than the other, but they do prioritize different values. Both groups report high levels of compassion and fairness, though their motivations diverge: believers tend to emphasize obedience to authority and group cohesion, while atheists are more concerned with consequences and preventing harm to individuals. Check.

Quantitative measurement of morality is challenging, and opportunities for behavioral observation are limited. Nods and checks.

Challenges in Moral Evaluation

If a person harms another, setting aside mental health issues and extenuating circumstances, and assuming we are not pacifists, we may judge such harm as immoral. The next question becomes: what should be done? Face palm and checks.

Was the perpetrator a believer? What type? Did their religion forbid such actions? Did they lie? Would lying be expected from someone considered immoral? And how can we know? Points compass at religious minister.

Was the perpetrator atheist? Are they openly atheist or merely non-religious? Did they transition from strong religious beliefs to atheism, or have they always been non-religious? Again, how do we know? Shrugs and holds compass up to the mirror.

Conclusion

The essential question is not who possesses a moral compass, but how that compass is calibrated. Everyone has a moral code shaped by a multitude of influences. The moral code of an atheist and a believer may be more similar to each other than to others within their respective groups. For example, liberal Episcopalians and conservative Evangelical Christians have distinctly different moral compasses. Check.

Atheists do have a moral compass, and often their moral code is equal to or higher than many believers. And yet, I continue to examine my compass to ensure it remains functional.