KENN C.

PACATANG

ANSWERS:

1. Why are we accountable for our actions?

ANS. We play an important role in our society. From the very least of
things, our actions create a tiny wave of response. Our actions are the
expression of our inner feelings. Whether they be voluntary or
involuntary, all acts entail responsibility and accountability. We are
accountable in the sense that we create changes around us, be it good or
bad. Even our inactions are actions on themselves. Our apathy simply is
an act that affects everyone. Even if we say you live in solitude, that your
presence is barely felt by anyone, your actions will leave a footprint, a
tale for anyone who finds it.

Our actions emanate from our intentions; and, consciousness is an

integral ingridient for accountabilty to fully vest. So that, there is,
therefore, no excuse for a person to deny liability when he has full
knowledge and his intentions bore before anybody.

2. What is the penalty for immoral acts?

ANS. According to this article, there is no penalty for immoral acts unless
the law provides. If that is the case, immoral acts can be actions beyond
the grasp of law for the latter cannot search within the thoughts of an
individual. It is a matter of evil that can only be measured by morality -
Biblical morality which is all-ecompassing and truthful as a standard of
measure. Regardless of what religion, race, or economic standing, biblical
morality is universal.

One penalty, which is not under human laws, can be guilt. You do
something wrong, you feel guilty within yourself. Biblically, any
immorality, unless repented, will mar our relationship with God. Our sins
make us distant from Him, and perhaps, if left untreated, will eventually
lead us to death spiritually and physically.

3. Explain “ Ignorance of the law excuses no one”.

ANS. Ignorance of the law excuses no one because all people are
presumed to know the law. As individuals of the society, it is our duty to
know the law, rules or regulations that affect us and the people around
us. We are bound because we are citizens, and it is expected of us to do
our part of knowing the law. However, this does not entirely apply in
biblical principles. Ignorance of the law can excuse a person, it is willful
ignorance that God does not tolerate. God has been gracious even to the
gentiles who do not know the law. He judges them according to the truth
 they have received.

To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). This tells us that
if a person has been educated on the law, therefore, it is required that he
follow the law. It is by grace that even though we are ignorant, God looks
past our ignorance. But, ignorance that is willful, God despises. Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened (Romans 1:21). So that, those who received knowledge will
be judged according to the knowledged they have received. Unlike our
human laws, God is gracious, he is willing to forgive our ignorance, and
He looks past our sins if we return to Him. For this, we can look at the
story of Paul in his letter to Timothy in his letter in 1 Timothy 1:12-16.

4. Why is it not advisable for a person to act in the state of ignorance?

It is not advisable for a person to act in a state of ignorance because of
the consequences which might be detrimental. For example, a nurse who
administers a medication he barely know the purpose. Here, extraordinary
diligence is required in order not to cause harm, under the principle of
nonmalifiscence, that is, not to do any harm to the patient. If she is
ignorant and proceeds to give the medication, whatever outcome
detrimental due to giving of a wrong medication, she will be liable.
Therefore, if a person is under a state of ignorance, it is best that he
refrain from his action and take a minute to contemplate and apply
diligence as necessary.

5. Is it morally permitted to tell a lie in order to avoid torture?

ANS. Yes, it is. A person must be able to weigh the balance between
greater evil and lesser evil. To one which causes lesser evil one must
permit rather than succumb to greater evil. However, this is not always
the case, when a principle is at stake, one can risk himself of torture
rather than concede to compromise. For example, if choosing between to
obey God or human agencies, a true Christian will choose what he
believes is right. Among all others, principles should not be compromised
no matter how distressing the circumstances may become. That means, if
you have to tell the truth, although it may cost your life, tell the truth. We
can take reflection from the experience of Daniel. When confronted by the
King why he would not bow down to the golden image and sent to the
fiery furnace, Daniel said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to
answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to
deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of
your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not
serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up”
(Daniel 3:16).
6. Is it alright to disobey traffic rules because there are no policemen around to
arrest us?
ANS. No, it is not OK to disobey traffic rules just because no police officer
is around. Honesty is cheap. You make yourself an example for other
people to see. Change is what we desire, that must start in ourselves. Our
obedience must not be motivated by fear but by love.

7. Is helping somebody morally wrong if we do not enjoy doing it?

ANS. No, it is not morally wrong because feelings are deceptive. We will
not always feel the same everyday because feeling is affected by our
hormones, and we have varying hormonal levels daily. Helping must be
motivated by love, more than anything. Helping is also a moral duty we
should not neglect or undermine.