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When the principles don’t get along

02.27.07 | 3 Comments

Our creedish un-creed, the Purposes & Principles are often referred to by Unitarians when tough questions come up. But what to do when the P&P contradict each other, or even themselves?

Some examples. Inherent worth and dignity versus the interdependent web. The democratic process versus prophetic words and deeds. The democratic process versus individual right of conscience. The inherent worth and dignity of this persons versus the inherent worth and dignity of that person.

We can be quick to point out the contradictions of Christian doctrines and scriptures. But can’t our own high ideals contradict each other too? And does that inter-principle conflict mean our high ideals are somehow less, well, ideal?

Back when I worked with ethicists, we’d often that the tough choices are not when we have to choose the lesser of two evils but when we have to choose the better of two goods.

So how do we choose?

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