Kohlberg’s six stages of moral development
Discussion 1:
I do not believe that Kohlberg’s six stages of moral development are wrong. Looking over my life from a child to now, I can honestly compare my thought process over the years to each level of moral development. However, my belief is in Christianity which does support an absolute truth. Therefore, I do believe that Kohlberg’s six stages imply that ethical systems such as postmodernism are less developed. For one, these moral systems fail to think that creation must have a creator. From a Christian perspective, these non-universal ethical systems neglect that God has provided everyone with the ability to know Him, despite their upbringing. Romans 1:20 says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (NLT)
The relative ethical system changes from society to society; there is no one set standard established for everyone. For this reason, most ethicists reject this belief. I think that we all have a God-given purpose. And with many people, their mission will go beyond their own culture or society. If a society becomes multicultural, how would all of the people within get along if the ethical principle is relative? Will the different cultures simply neglect all of their customs and beliefs? I believe that the answer is that the multicultural people will get along without disregarding their customs. Our week three lecture says, “Many cultures share very similar morals because different cultures share common grace.
Discussion 2:
I grew up heavily immersed in Christian culture, and specifically that of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). I think prestige is probably the most significant false good that committed Christians struggle with, as pride is an issue that affects everyone (Isaiah 13:11, New American Standard). We might do okay with avoiding money and pleasure (rather than a relationship with God which leads to joy, but the joy is not the end in itself – John 10:10, 17:3) and perhaps even power (although I do think pastors often struggle with that false good). We fail to trust God because we want to be in control (Judges 17:6). We want to look good in the eyes of others, and so we are not honest and try to hide our sin and weakness.
And those in the PCA believe they have the best understanding of Scripture which can lead to pride and can blind them to their areas of weakness (because nothing is perfect except God and His Word). The truth is that if there is anything good in any of us, it is a gift from God and not of one’s own doing and so it is therefore not worthy of our pride, but rather God’s glory. Because everyone that God loves is bestowed with good gifts (Matthew 7:11), and because He created all people in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), we can always learn something from anyone. In Ecclesiastes 4:13 Solomon wisely observes, “A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.”
Answer preview to Kohlberg’s six stages of moral development
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