Finding 'true north' on moral compass

It is yet to be seen how great the following will be for the new anti-discrimination ordinance in Coeur d'Alene. We shall soon see.

On Sept. 18, Tony Stewart wrote a letter in the Press to the Mayor and City Council to re-pitch the need for this ordinance. According to Mr. Stewart, Coeur d'Alene is in jeopardy of losing its status, recognition and awards, should this ordinance be repealed. There could be greater concerns.

When commenting on Ms. Souza and Mr. Kunka, Mr. Stewart suggested that both "have forsaken their moral compass on this issue." Granted, we need a moral compass on this issue. Why a compass? Allow me a little science.

In simple terms, a compass is an indicator that aligns itself to the magnetic field of the North Pole of the earth, thereby pointing to north. The geographical North Pole and the magnetic North Pole are not the same. A compass aligns itself to magnetic north, or true north and not the geographical North Pole. Geographical north can be 1,000 miles off of true north. How do we find true north on this issue?

Like a compass there is a true north on morality. Finding that is the issue. Geographical or social morality leaves the idea of defining a moral issue with the individual, or a group of individuals. Which could be in contradiction to true north morality.

In the study of sociology someone who deviates from the social norm is defined as deviant. Defining deviant: Departing from usual or accepted standards, especially social or sexual behavior. Some would say, "Deviance pushes society's moral boundaries which, in turn leads to social change." A necessary progressive change.

Others would say, "Deviance defines moral boundaries, people learn right from wrong by defining people as deviant." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia says this: "Deviance affirms cultural values and norms. It also clarifies moral boundaries, promotes social unity by creating an us/them dichotomy, encourages social change, and provides jobs to control deviance."

In any case, it is becoming evident, the definition of deviance is losing its meaning in our culture. Toward the end of his article Mr. Stewart says, "At the end of life, each of us will be judged based on how we have treated our fellow beings and if we had the courage to stand with those who face such adversity as discrimination."

All the hard work that Mr. Stewart has done in the past for race and class hate is much appreciated, but that fight had nothing to do with choice; you have no choice in race and that issue needed a champion. This issue is about a sexual choice, we will be judged on our choices and this choice is defined by God as deviant. He will not change. He is the true north. Christ died for all deviants--for all have sinned and fall short of God's standard. Me included. That makes me thankful.

If I were to re-phrase Mr. Stewart's last quote, it might find a more true north application if stated this way. At the end of life, each of us will be judged based on how we treated our fellow beings and if we had the courage to stand with God (our true north, who saves us) as we wrestle for truth in the difficult issues that face our world. This is the greater concern. When navigating the turbulent waters of what is morally correct, trusting a faulty compass for the journey insures you will miss your destination.

Bob Holliday is a Post Falls resident.