Morality and Purpose
1) What do you think about the following statement: “My morality is mine and mine alone, and it is not my place to judge the morality of others”? Are there any times when you should judge the morality of others? Why or why not? If so, when and why?
2) How do the Christian beliefs about creational purpose and human nature affect how Christianity sees human dignity and human value? How do they affect ethical decision-making in the Christian worldview?
3) After reviewing the “Find Your Purpose” section in The Beginning of Wisdom, discuss some of the ways that people might discover their purpose. How does the Christian concept of m issio Dei fit into a Christian’s sense of purpose?
4) How might someone in your academic discipline or future vocation be able to live out a Christian missional purpose? Morality and Purpose
Should we judge morality, How do creational purpose and human nature affect dignity, How do people discover purpose, How does missio Dei shape purpose, How can vocation live out missional purpose
Comprehensive Answer
1. Judging Morality
The statement “My morality is mine and mine alone” reflects a relativistic view that denies universal moral truth. From a Christian perspective, morality is objective because it is grounded in God’s character and revealed through Scripture. While Christians are cautioned not to judge hypocritically (Matthew 7:1–5), there are times when judging moral actions is necessary for justice, accountability, and protecting others. For instance, calling out harm, oppression, or dishonesty reflects a commitment to truth and love. Christians are urged to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14) and to guide one another toward righteousness, but always with humility and grace.
2. Creational Purpose, Human Nature, and Dignity
Christianity teaches that humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei) as described in Genesis 1:27. This foundational belief gives every person inherent dignity and value, regardless of status, ability, or circumstance. Because human worth is derived from God rather than human opinion, Christianity rejects any hierarchy of value among people. Ethical decision-making, therefore, is rooted in protecting life, promoting justice, and respecting the God-given worth of others. Christian ethics emphasize choices that align with God’s will, protect the vulnerable, and uphold love and justice. This connection between creation, dignity, and morality shapes Christian responses to contemporary ethical challenges such as healthcare, poverty, and human rights.
3. Discovering Purpose and Missio Dei
The Find Your Purpose section of The Beginning of Wisdom emphasizes that people may discover their purpose through prayer, reflection, and alignment of their gifts with the needs of the world. Frederick Buechner’s idea of purpose being found where “deep gladness meets the world’s hunger” echoes this integration of calling and service. The Christian concept of missio Dei (mission of God) expands this personal search by reminding believers that ultimate purpose is not self-centered but rooted in God’s redemptive work in the world. Thus, Christians discover true meaning when they participate in God’s mission—whether through evangelism, acts of service, or daily expressions of love and integrity. Morality and Purpose