One television show I enjoy is House, M.D. The medical detective work fascinating. The side story of House dealing with his drug habit was refreshing as he admitted the problem; the character seems a bit more mellow. But I still find much of the side dialogue repulsive.
The most recent episode I watched ended with Dr. Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) leaving both her husband and the team seemingly forever. Television being what it is, I figured this was a ruse to be manipulated later. To my surprise, Jennifer Morrison was uncertain why she was written out. I think I know.
Dr. Cameron's character was the sole voice of ethical conduct on the series. Her righteous indignation would manifest itself at the proper moments, but sadly for all the wrong reasons. Hers were humanitarian rather than biblical ethics. Still they were statements made in order to guide with some semblance of conscience. No more. This series is now set to run onward without any moral guideline whatsoever. What happens in story lines into the foreseeable future will be guided by logical medical reasons or a perceived greater good based on selfish ends. To be sure these elements were there every season, but now it can be presented blatantly. Bio-ethics can be trashed altogether.
I hope I am wrong. This season started so well.
2 comments:
Her righteous indignation would manifest itself at the proper moments, but sadly for all the wrong reasons. Hers were humanitarian rather than biblical ethics.
Is it really so wrong to object on the basis of humanitarian rather than biblical ethics?
Aren't biblical ethics in a sense laying the groundwork for humanitarian ones, to teach us what ethical behaviour should be?
Kate, thanks for the comment.
Humanitarian ethics can be built on whatever basis is deemed good for that society. If the foundation is barbarism, cruelty, and wanton savagery, the good of a people is to rape, pillage, and murder others. That example appears extreme, but you find this regularly in Rome before Constantine becomes emperor.
Biblical ethics are indeed the proper foundation for humanitarian ends, but that is not always what is implemented. Civilized society has used and will use their own ideas to form values and ethics contrary to scripture.
Post a Comment