Oct
Morally Sound
The basic idea of morality is the contrast between right and wrong. Various non-Heathen religions have attempted to deal with the matter. In their efforts, unfortunately, the issue tends to change from right versus wrong to good versus evil. It goes from a practical matter to a theological one. That is a cosmic shift, indeed.
Morality is not difficult. Most of us have a very good understanding of right and wrong. We do not need to contrive a set of commandments. I believe we can boil it down to a few simple statements: You are responsible for what you do. You are also responsible for what you know. If you know better, do better.
People who do wrong tend to try to convince themselves that what they are doing is actually right. I have heard this described as “justification and rationalization.” Usually, if you have to rationalize it, it is probably wrong. Those who do the right thing do not need excuses and contrived explanations.
Heathenism does not need a code of rules like the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments. Right and wrong is much simpler. There is no need to codify it. The key for us is in taking responsibility for our actions. If we each make a deliberate choice to do that which is right, then wrong is no longer a problem. Instead of fussing over right and wrong, we have the option of choosing right, better and best.
