Justice is not easy. This concept seems reasonable and most of us believe that we are fair and honorable people. But many of us unconsciously practice situational ethics. That is to say, if we have been wronged by others then we use the … ethic of ‘an eye for an eye.’ We justify our own transgression by focusing on the actions of the other person – exempting us from fault. That is not what a 12 step program is about.
Today I am grateful...
- that I am researching Justice, the principle behind the Ninth Step
- for the noon meeting yesterday which stirred up a few folks. It was like I have cable television at home and I was visiting a place that had satellite and I got to see a show I don't usually get to see. AND I sat there unperturbed. That is kinda miraculous in itself.
- for my third OA meeting last night. And that I have shared in every one I have attended. That is not normal behavior for me.
- that today I have a 'thought life' which I would never have thought possible
Yes, we have been wronged – the world around us can be harsh and cruel. But we are not trying to save the world. We are trying to get a grasp on ourselves – on our behaviors, and on our own spirituality. Many people, active in addiction, have lived in the depths of self-pity. Pondering, why is the world so cruel to me? This is the essence of selfishness. Step Nine calls on us to focus on ourselves in a different manner, asking: What have we done to others?
This is a selfish step in the sense that it makes no difference if our apologies are accepted, only that we offer our apologies. Of course, all of us hope for redemption, for forgiveness, for acceptance. But that is not the goal. The goal is justice – taking a wrong and making it right. ~all today's quote from The Fireside Post
10 comments:
The eigth and ninth steps were the topic at last Friday's noon meeting. It was really a good meeting.
Zane was the topic at the last 3 meetings I've been to. They were really good meetings.
sinking into self pity is selfish. I realize how selfish fear and self pity are. I look forward to reading more about justice.
Happy Wednesday, Scott!
I agree with that quote and I know at times I do the same... uhh... work in progress and being aware helps thank you for that reminder Scotty... Happy Hump Day hee hee
Where did you find the first quote? Love it.
me me me..
self-seeking is a slip noose I stick my head in often.
enjoying your blog lots. thanks!
In a selfish way, I'm glad you're on step nine & the principle of justice. We'll be studying step nine next Wednesday in my morning group.
Generally speaking, morals are basic guidelines for behavior intended to reduce suffering in living populations, and ethics are applied morals — what happens where the rubber meets the road.
Philosophers speak of “situational ethics,” i.e., ethics that vary according to the circumstances in which they may be applied. The term has come to have, in some circles, a pejorative flavor. The implication is that an ethical person is simply that, and that a good system of ethics will be applicable in all circumstances.
While that is true, the concept that ethics (and, for that matter, morals) should not be situational but rather black and white is typical of Western beliefs: sin/not sin, right or wrong, legal or illegal with no shades of gray, and these are in turn typical of the idea that all moral issues can be codified. The reality in any culture, of course, is quite different. People do as people will do.
For that reason, the idea that “situational” ethics bear some sort of stigma is unrealistic.
More if you're interested.
glad you're on the justice step. justice of the peace.
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