To the editor:

A recent cartoon in the Journal World likened the Roman Catholic Church’s moral stance on sexual ethics to the Dark Ages. The cartoonist asserted that their sexual morality should be “updated.” Why?

I am asking for the grounds for urging Christians to change their views. What basis? What foundation? Where does he begin to assert the need for such a change? Obviously a cartoon cannot give a full-orbed argument, but he does take a bold stance without giving any reasons.

The Roman Catholic Church and all traditional Christians urge their positions based on revelation. Beginning with God’s words to Moses, “You shall not commit adultery,” their arguments are grounded in a transcendent, non-subjective standard.

By contrast, as I understand those who tend to agree with the cartoonist, they generally begin and end inside their own skulls. As the Bible says, “what is right in their own eyes.” They at times have utilitarian reasons for their ethical position, but that’s the extent of it. But, why should “usefulness” or even “rights” matter if there is nothing outside of the human skull that sets the standard? Why should I care about you if all that exists is a material universe? Why have any standards at all except “eat, drink, and be merry” for tomorrow we die?

No, God’s revelation does not need to be updated. Since he created us, he knows what is best for us.