Compass Choices: Finding the Moral Compass

There is so much talk of late, including concerns of our current President's "Moral Compass", that one can't help but wonder what people mean when they banter about that phrase. Or if they say something to the effect: "Well he's lost his way...he has lost his moral compass."  People have also continued with the directional analogy and say that individuals have taken a "wrong path" in life. Which begs the question: which path is right and which is wrong?

Yet the thing that really makes me scratch my head in wonderment is who exactly determines the parameters of our moral compasses? Obviously what is well within the realm of respectability and a "moral code" for one person would be completely unheard of by another. In this crazy world we live in, just how does one define and live by their own moral code and follow their own compass while still living comfortably in society and not being considered an outcast if they "go too far"?
 Cue Aerosmith:
"You talk about things that nobody cares
You're wearing out things that nobody wears
You're calling my name but I gotta make clear
I can't say baby where I'll be in a year.....
When I pulled into town in a police car
Your daddy said I took it just a little too far. " (Aerosmith, Steven Tyler,1975)

So the topic of  morality can be woven throughout many of the lyrics of rock and roll.  Lord knows I heard lots of interesting notions throughout my teen years and beyond.  The power of music still packs a punch no matter what the genre. Music and morality...now there is a topic for another day. So back to the compass....steer me in the "right" direction.

Our very first set of ethics and morals, of course, are given to us by our parents and/or the people that raised us as children.  Parents and mentors do their best to instill what they believe is the "correct" moral compass. Throughout our lives, that compass can be subject to changing directions, but generally what our parents have instilled within us, usually stays with us.

Religion would be the next major thrust in the effort to provide a moral compass to follow. Throughout time the church has been a compass guiding the masses as to what is considered proper behavior for societal standards. But the all encompassing definition of "the church" has splintered.  Look at how it started with Martin Luther in 1517 with the "95 Theses" nailed to the church door, attacking some of the traditional practices of the Catholic Church.  It was only the beginning of the questioning of authority. Perhaps Martin Luther paved the way, but throughout time the freedom to question authority and possibly instigate change has evolved and regressed....depending on the subject matter of what you are trying to change.  With religious freedom, comes the freedom of choice, and many individuals choose not to follow a particular religious denomination...if any. So if religion does not set the standards, for some, than how are the morals and standards established to assure that civilization can carry on without complete and utter anarchy? That leads to the concept of legislation and begs the question: Can you legislate morality? I guess the answer to that would be YES and NO.

In tackling that question, one only needs to look at contemporary issues that have been addressed by law, where an issue of morality is involved.  Issues that have been perceived by the public as a "right" and "wrong" side to them.  The legality of abortion is a perfect example. Even though legalized with Roe v. Wade in 1973, the Pro Choice and the Pro Life campaigns still are divisive on the issue. Both schools have thought bring a "moral code" to bear in the discussion and depending on how extreme each feels about the issue, they have a really hard time seeing any relevant points on the other side.

Another issue that is fraught with controversy and a moral dilemma is end of life choices. With respect to euthanasia and "assisted suicide", several cases have been tried in the Supreme Court because legislation still varies from state to state. Decisions like these are always tough, but it is even more complicated to try to legislate the decisions. Try as they will, law makers can't take out the moral choices that must be made in such decisions.  It is easier to legislate that you must stop at a stop sign in your car. No one will argue with the benefit to society for such a decision.  

So many tough decisions in life as we guide our journey with the help of our "moral compass." I leave you with a another cultural reference to the hard choices we have to make....Choose wisely.

Raiders of the Lost Ark~ 1981