[Taraz]

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A moral code is simply an internal system that tells you what is right and wrong.

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What is right and wrong then?

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Depends on the situation [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]. "Do unto others . . ." and all that. I don't think any singular act is always right or always wrong.

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I agree that we should respect all laws, but I realize that some laws have been made into political issues and don't carry much validity.

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i.e., you are aware that there is such a dilemma as whether it is right or wrong to obey unjust laws, and have an opinion based on who knows what. So does he, right? It just is a different opinion. He thinks it is more important for the law to be respected above personal judgement - he thinks it has authority. You don't break laws because either you agree with them, or you fear the consequences. He doesn't break laws because they are laws, and laws should be respected. I don't know him personally but don't assume such people are foolishly obeying silly laws. There is a whole process of reasoning associated with lawful convictions which you haven't shown any understanding of yet. Do you think ceremonies are foolish? Or what about laws such as those requiring a citizen to stand for national anthems, or attend school until a certain age?

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Shouldn't we try to understand the spirit of the law though? Can't we try to determine the purpose of the law and hold to that higher purpose? To go back to the drinking example, he is a very responsible person. One would assume that the drinking age is in place so that minors don't go out of control and pose a danger to themselves. I doubt having a sip of alcohol 6 months before his 21st birthday would have been all that bad for him or anyone else. I just don't see any justification for that other than "the law says so".

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Presumably your moral code is to follow whatever Christianity tells you. Just because you've adopted a singular outside moral code doesn't mean that it isn't yours.

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Wrong presumption, firstly. The second sentence doesn't make sense to me.

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What I meant is that you either formulate your own rules or you adopt some outside rules. But either way, at some point they become your rules. I guess I would argue that I look at the laws and try to understand them and apply them where they seem rational. I don't think everything is black and white.