Oddly, Hypocrisy Rooted in High Morals ???

[Michie]

This is an interesting article. I'd be interested in hearing thoughs on this one.


Morally upstanding people are the do-gooders of society, right? Actually, a new study finds that a sense of moral superiority can lead to unethical acts, such as cheating. In fact, some of the best do-gooders can become the worst cheats.

Stop us if this sounds familiar.

When asked to describe themselves, most people typically will rattle off a list of physical features and activities (for example, "I do yoga" or "I'm a paralegal"). But some people have what scientists call a moral identity, in which the answer to the question would include phrases like "I am honest" and "I am a caring person."

Past research has suggested that people who describe themselves with words such as honest and generous are also more likely to engage in volunteer work and other socially responsible acts.

Continued- http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/071114-cheating-basics.html

[Michie]

I do volunteer work. But I do not describe myself as a caring person. If asked, I just describe what I do.

I understand where the study is coming from...with the standpoint of people taking the moral highground & possibly justifying behavior for the cause of the 'greater good.' I do not think that behavior is anymore frequent in this type of group than a secular group.

I think it stands out more because they do claim the moral highground.

I mean, am I supposed to be leery of someone that describes themselves as a caring & honest person & lean more towards those that simply describe what they do with a job title?

It does makes me feel uncomfortable & kind of offended because I do volunteer work.

I take this one with a grain of salt I guess. But I do with most of these isolated studies anyway.

[Criada]

Of course, those who go around boasting of their high morals are not necessarily the most moral....simply the loudest! :)

[RobNJ]

Remember the Publican & the Pharisee

[Joykins]

If you read the text of the article it gets confusing.

If you identify as highly moral and think cheating is wrong, you are very unlikely to cheat.

If you identify as highly moral and think that cheating is justifiable in some cases, you are much more likely to cheat.

I think it is a good study on how we (as humans) can rationalize actions as "OK" if we think we are "good people." A lot of ends justifying the means going on in there...

[RegularGuy]

When you think on it, who is more likely to be a hypocrite than one who espouses high moral standards? Hypocrisy is the disjunction of words and actions. Those who have low standards are far less likely to fail in keeping them.

[dayhiker]

A couple of verses came to mind. You who judge do the very same thing. Living by the law causes rebellion.

The more we raise up a high moral standard and say that is what we are about the more I think those laws undermine us.

While if we live to love people, engage people and try to enhance and help them, just be their friend, I think then we do what is right. This is the same reason I see Christianity as a relationship with Jesus and not keeping a list of laws.

my thoughts
dayhiker

[Everlasting]

Jhn 10:33


The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.


This verse tells us the error of the hypocrite in his ways




Blessings,


Everlasting,

:yawn:

Moon Over Key Biscayne