Biosophilia

What's Wrong with Baseball?

A recent article on the fighting in the Major Leagues may find interest among you baseball lovers. The article addresses the delicate issue without condemning MLB or the individuals involved, while still calling MLB and the individuals to address the problem and begin to show respect for each other and--especially--the fans. You can find the article here.

Conscience

Concerning following the dictates of one's conscience, I have heard some condemn or at least decry those who advise it along with those who do so. The main objection: The Word of God, not the conscience, should dictate our actions. I agree completely with this last statement, when it is considered as an absolute.

I suggest, however, that following the dictates of one's conscience is absolutely necessary for the Christian. Remember that Paul said that whatever is not of faith is sin. If my conscience tells me to avoid something, then it would be faithless and sinful for me to do it. If my conscience tells me to do something, then in faith, I ought to do that thing, unless and until my conscience tells me otherwise--in faith. If my conscience tells me not to do something, then in faith, I ought to avoid doing that thing, unless and until my conscience tells me otherwise--in faith.

Does this place my conscience over the authority of Scripture? Far from it. It does acknowledge, however, that my conscience is mine, and I am responsible for my actions. The Lord, in His mercy, informs my conscience through the working of His Spirit, guiding my steps. My conscience may at times be wrong, but to not follow it is clearly to go against Paul's injunction (if I may call it that).

Sometimes people appeal to the conscience foolishly. One such time is when it is used as a defense for wrongdoing. If I steal something and am caught, I may not excuse my sin by citing my conscience: "Well, my conscience told me to do it." My sin is still my sin, and I must repent. Another such time is when it is used as a dogma which others must believe. For me to tell someone, for example, that they must observe the sabbath the way I do because I believe it to be the best way, why, this is placing myself above Scripture. I must appeal to the true standard for such declarations. For me to tell someone that watching this or that movie is sinful because my conscience is seared is not appropriate. I may tell them I think it is unwise--I may even tell them it is sinful, if I believe so--but my appeal must be to Scripture. That is the standard--not my conscience.

These are my thoughts. Now, I welcome yours.