A question of honesty.
In Ethics today we discussed lying.
It always seems to raise more questions than answer anything though.
When is it ok to lie?
Is it ever ok to lie?
What is the definition of lying anyway? Does it change with context?
Does honesty require total disclosure?
Or is it ok to keep the truth hidden as long as it's not directly a lie?
I'm the sort of person who's not backwards in confrontation, even if it hurts, as long as the truth is involved.
I lean towards the 'total disclosure' end of the spectrum opposed to the 'keeping the truth hidden'.
One thing that frustrates me in these conversations is that people want to always take the conversation to the extreme. What would you do in Nazi Germany if you were hiding Jews in the attic? Would you lie to save lives? (Since the subject is Christian Ethics) Would you tell the truth and trust God's sovereignty in the situation? - this was raised but not discussed in our particular tutorial.
It frustrates me, because thinking through these ethically extreme situations is safe, it's easy.
We don't actually address the day to day living, or need to address the sin in our own lives... Where we're failing to tell the truth - in love, gently... Even when the truth hurts.
So bringing it back to the day to day....
When is it ok to lie?
Is it ever ok to lie?
What is the definition of lying anyway? Does it change with context?
Does honesty require total disclosure?
It always seems to raise more questions than answer anything though.
When is it ok to lie?
Is it ever ok to lie?
What is the definition of lying anyway? Does it change with context?
Does honesty require total disclosure?
Or is it ok to keep the truth hidden as long as it's not directly a lie?
I'm the sort of person who's not backwards in confrontation, even if it hurts, as long as the truth is involved.
I lean towards the 'total disclosure' end of the spectrum opposed to the 'keeping the truth hidden'.
One thing that frustrates me in these conversations is that people want to always take the conversation to the extreme. What would you do in Nazi Germany if you were hiding Jews in the attic? Would you lie to save lives? (Since the subject is Christian Ethics) Would you tell the truth and trust God's sovereignty in the situation? - this was raised but not discussed in our particular tutorial.
It frustrates me, because thinking through these ethically extreme situations is safe, it's easy.
We don't actually address the day to day living, or need to address the sin in our own lives... Where we're failing to tell the truth - in love, gently... Even when the truth hurts.
So bringing it back to the day to day....
When is it ok to lie?
Is it ever ok to lie?
What is the definition of lying anyway? Does it change with context?
Does honesty require total disclosure?
posted by Lisa V at
3:49 pm
2 Comments:
I don't think that honesty requires total disclosure.
for the sake of the other there are definitely times when it's not necessary to let them know 'everything'.
eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
is part of benefiting the listener that they sometimes you won't say everything for their sake??
peaceout
By
Anonymous, at 12:25 am
I'm inclined to total disclosure, not declaring it as law. :)
I agree for the sake of the other, it's not necessary to say everything. The truth is a dangerous thing, and can be used to harm, used in malice and for slander.
But, I feel that these days people are more inclined to stay silent or even lie to save feelings - when really that's not building the other person up. But, rather, protecting one self from having a difficult conversation. Things need to be said in love and with gentleness, but sometimes it needs to be said.
By
Lisa V, at 9:16 pm
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