Biblical Readings for Q2

This week’s readings were so thought-provoking when it came to analyzing different methods of decision making. We read three different texts which had support by different decision making methods, and one other text which exemplified the struggle to control sinful desires. Exodus 1:8-12 favored consequentialist ethics, Exodus 20:1-17 favored duty-based ethics, Matthew 5:17-48 favored virtue ethics, and Romans 7:14-25 showed us the struggle of morality and decision making. Out of these, I feel as if the strongest example of these methods is the Sermon on the Mount (or, the beginning bit, at least). A huge part of this is supported by the fact that Jesus, himself, is giving the speech. Reading the wisdom of the Lord, Himself, really adds a layer of importance to the entire message. Anybody can tell you to love your enemies, but when Jesus demands it of you- it automatically becomes the correct way to live. However, the argument of living by virtue also is a tough idea to grasp. 

The idea of loving your neighbors seems like an obvious concept, but we all know it can be a difficult concept to live by in certain scenarios. Paul reminds us of this in Exodus. Regardless of the ways and methods we may use to make our decisions, we always will find ourselves falling short of consistently making the “right” decision. On top of that- even when we do know what the “best” choice may be, we don’t always act on that. On Paul’s ending note- I am excited to dive in to Jekyll and Hyde (one of my favorite musicals, as well) to better interpret the internal battle between good vs. evil.