Dr. Matt Anderson

I’ve been enjoying reading the blog of Dr. Matt Anderson. He’s an obstetrician/gynecologist, as well as a good writer. When he writes about abortion, he does so with authority and clarity.

Some people at work have been asking for sponsors for a March of Dimes walkathon. I wondered about that organization’s stance on abortion, and I found Matt’s post on the subject. A March of Dimes slogan is “Give to the March of Dimes. Help prevent birth defects.” He suggests that a more accurate slogan for the March of Dimes might be “Give to the March of Dimes. Help prevent babies from being born with birth defects.” Insightful. [Read Matt's post on March of Dimes]

Posted by Jeremy on February 25, 2005. No Comments.

Morals or Values

Somehow, over the last few years, the word “values” has become preferred over the word “morals”. We hear about the “values voters” who helped reelect George W. Bush. I recently heard a radio preacher talk about a lack of “morals and values” in our youth.

We are not lacking in values. We are lacking in morals. Morals refer to standards of right and wrong. Values refer to what is considered worthwhile or important. Morals are externally determined (by God). Values are internally determined (by ourselves).

By changing the language to substitute “values” for “morals”, it becomes impossible to argue for a particular set of standards. It’s perfectly acceptable for me to embrace family values while you value freedom or diversity. Do you think that preacher would have been satisfied if he learned that young people responded to his call for values by buying only organic foods? If we mean morals, let’s say morals!

Posted by Jeremy on February 24, 2005. 2 Comments.