Choices

Psychologist Barry Schwartz reckons that "choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied. "

What do you think?  Would you agree with him?

I think that many people, coming from environments with lesser choice, would, as they experience our supermarkets.  Instead of just buying milk, one gets to choose between soy, rice and dairy milk.  Then there is skim, low fat and full cream to choose from.  Then, which brand?  Milk from which country of origin, or which state?

And similarly with other goods and services.  It is so hard to compare the offerings of two mobile phone providers, as their plans are described so differently that it is not easy to see which one suits the consumer better.

Then, comparing ourselves with other people and trying to "keep up with the Joneses" - how much to keep up or how much not to.  What is right for us?

And then, there is also the government telling us what to do.  That we need to have two incomes, be productive economically, as though the economy is the most important aspect of society.  Or to deviate from that.

Choices of which clothes are suitable to wear, which religion to follow, etc.

It is a lifestyle issue.  I think that how satisfied we are depends on how we feel about the choices, and not the choices itself.

Some people willingly live more simply, and feel happy about it.

Last Sunday, I remembered Jesus and His choices.  He could have chosen other apostles, or not have Judas Iscariot among his closest ones.  He could have made it easy for himself by not going to the cross.  But He didn't.  He made his choice based on what He knew would best bring glory to God and what would save the people He loves.

Are choices easy for us?  Are we willing to make sacrificial choices?

What would you choose?  Why?

Sex with multiple partners

A contributor to SMH Lifestyle thinks that it has become easier to get laid nowadays.  He then asks if we should be doing it more, and with multiple partners just because it has become easier to.

The contributor said that homosexuality is more acceptable nowadays.  Connecting with sexual partners is also easier, now that phone apps and similar advertising is rampant.  But does it mean that we should do it more just because it has become easier to?

The risk of contracting sexual diseases is still there (even though medical sciences has reduced the risks in some instances).  And then, there is also the risk of being devalued as a person...

In the article's final paragraph, the author said

 "Yet I remain unconvinced. Yes, I agree with freedom of choice. But, ideally, that choice should be informed. Are we properly informed about the long-term consequences of sex with multiple partners in one day? Do we know what will result from this culture when frequent sex with many strangers is easy? Prostitution has a price – what's the cost when the sex comes free and easy?"

What do you think ?  What do you believe?  How would you answer him?

Does morality and ethics have anything to do with this question?  What would God say?

Secular vs. scripture

I noticed a few areas where the values of society is different from what the scripture says.  I suppose this is why Christians talk about the difference between sacred and secular, between the Church and the world.  Let me list a few of these differences, as I remember them tonight:

• Scriptures advise us to make our money slowly.  The world wishes for instant profit.
• People want to keep their riches for themselves.  The Bible says we should remember to share with the poor.
• Society says to put "me" first.  Look after number one.  Do what "I" want.  It is all about me and for me.  Scriptures says to put God first.  We are to honour Him.
• We are taught to think positively.  We can do it.  Scriptures tell us to think humbly.  God gave me the strength.
• Many people think that it doesn't matter what you do, so long as you don't hurt anyone, and so long that you don't get caught.  The Bible tells us to live more uprightly than this.  Be holy, as God is holy.

Can you add to this list?

What does this mean to you?  Would you follow after society's values?  Or Scriptures?

How do you reconcile the differences?  How do you hold them in tension?

Has the church gotten it wrong?  Or has society gotten it wrong?  What do you think?