[DaveC519]

Hello ILG,

Originally Posted by ILG

We all want to be moral people but sometimes there are shades of gray. Outside the realm of normalcy lies an area where our convictions are tested.

Great thread, BTW! Perhaps thinking about these things causes us to consider what each of us would be willing to sacrifice to "do the right thing". Sometimes doing the right thing does cost us something- even to the point of laying down our life.

Is it ethical to lie to a liar?

Based on Rev 21:8, I would say no. There's been some discussion in this thread about examples of "Godly" characters from the Bible lying and being justified. I think all of these examples are from the OT, and specifically, before the Holy Ghost- the "Spirit of Truth"- was poured out. There was a time when God "winked" at certain actions, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent (Ac 17:30).

What if a terrorist asked you where your child was hiding and you didn't want your child to be found?

Maybe the answer is to not say anything. Withholding the truth and lying are not the same thing. Perhaps this action would cost me my life. First, I cannot control the actions of others. Yes, I can do everything in my power to stop them (other than sinning), but ultimately, I cannot control their actions.

It is ethical to steal from a stealer? What if this person was the government and they were taking food out of your childrens mouths. Would you cheat on your taxes to feed them?

Stealing displays a lack of faith. God is the source of provision for my family and I. If someone steals from me, God will still provide. If I have the power to change the circumstance that's allowing someone to steal, then I should (without sinning, of course). If I can lock my doors rather than allowing strangers to enter my house and steal, then yes, I should lock the doors!

What if your boss told you to mail an unethical email. Would just mail an email and said you sent an email and evade the issue that the content was not in it?

I would let my boss know I couldn't do it, even if it meant losing my job.

I heard a story about a pastor once who was given pies by a woman who was filthy. He took it out back, put an X on the ground and threw the pie on it. He then told the woman, "That hit the spot sister!"

"Thank you, Sister, for your thoughtfulness and generosity. I pray the Lord richly bless you for your kindness."

If you did these things, would that mean your convictions had changed? Or would it mean you made an exception to your convictions.

So, when and where do YOU draw the line on it's okay to fudge a little.

I draw the line at sin.