A Question of Right and Wrong

Traditionally society is divided into different classes, the ruling class in the form of a King, Pharaoh or Emperor, his consorts and often extended family; the middle class made from the supporting dignitaries, ministers and executives; and the lower class who consist of the rest of society in the form of the peasants, workers and sundry persons.

To establish their power base the head of the ruling class would align themselves with a God or Gods, depending on the culture.  They would either claim to be Gods themselves; born of a God or God and virgin; or to be the chosen of God. 

 

The close association between the ruler and the God or Gods gave them a divine right to govern over the people, extend bounties to those that pleased them, punish those that didn’t and dictate laws to the millions  of minions that they ruled.

It is not surprising then to find in the very working class areas of Britain such as Wales and the Northern regions of Britain a rejection of class standards that extends to religion and a more atheist than theist sentiment.  God of course being allied with the upper classes and the divine right of the ruling classes.

It has long been believed that God is the source of all Goodness and Justice and that those who act on Gods behalf, kings, priests and the like are able to dictate through divine inspiration what is right and good; or what is wrong and evil.

In a theist state this of course does not apply.  But then how do we determine right from wrong and good from evil?

 

I think a general rule of thumb is to do no evil or harm to anyone.  This however is very subjective.   Furthermore most people I believe would say that considering the needs of others and society in general is a good thing and the right thing to do.  However, as observed many, many times, when it comes to action over words people act on their own behalf, ultimately favouring their own position in life and their own unique point of view.

 

It is my belief that a society whose moral and ethical considerations is laid down by a religion is generally a more justifiable and fair society than one that has no theological basis to its morals and ethics.  Whereas the hard and fast rulers of religion shows up clearly when something wrong is done, this cannot be said of the more socialistically inclined non-theological parts of society.

I am of course thinking of the 13 or so years of labour government in Britain and the financial mess that the country, my country is now left in.  In the region where I live, Wales, there is a strong labour following.  There has been little explanation or justification about why the government lied to the people rather than admitting to the enormous debt crisis.  This and other such actions are swept under the carpet as if they never happened by the pro-socialist labour supporters. 

It seems with these people it doesn’t matter how much harm you do to the country or a person by whatever means, you can redefine what is right and wrong, good and bad to please yourself. 

Nobody knows in this circumstance where the goal posts are.

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