If it’s legal, it’s okay. This mentality pervades much of our society—whether it is abortion, sexual relations outside of matrimony, wearing a t-shirt with an expletive on it, or a host of activities that are not prohibited by law.
Through the law given to Moses and the natural law, we have an innate tendency to associate law with morality. Indeed, many of our laws are premised on moral principles—murder (do not kill), theft (do not steal), etc. But, what about laws that are not premised on morality? Or, worse yet, what about laws that are premised on immoral principles?
It is in such situations that the mentality of “if it’s legal, it’s okay” becomes problematic. At a minimum this reminds us of the significant role that lawmakers fulfill. But I am more concerned with our youth. Growing up with a particular set of laws creates a tendency to be lackadaisical in analyzing such laws. This is why it is important that we teach ourselves and our children to think independently and critically.
The law does not create what is right. What is right exists independently of the laws of any nation.
Through the law given to Moses and the natural law, we have an innate tendency to associate law with morality. Indeed, many of our laws are premised on moral principles—murder (do not kill), theft (do not steal), etc. But, what about laws that are not premised on morality? Or, worse yet, what about laws that are premised on immoral principles?
It is in such situations that the mentality of “if it’s legal, it’s okay” becomes problematic. At a minimum this reminds us of the significant role that lawmakers fulfill. But I am more concerned with our youth. Growing up with a particular set of laws creates a tendency to be lackadaisical in analyzing such laws. This is why it is important that we teach ourselves and our children to think independently and critically.
The law does not create what is right. What is right exists independently of the laws of any nation.
Soli Deo Gloria.
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