Subjectivist Ethics Foretold in the Book of Mormon

I study philosophy and I consider the most dangerous school of ethics to be an idea known as subjectivism.  Subjectivism is the idea that there is no law and no God to fear, or at least that God does not car about what we do. Because of this, for a subjectivist, all actions are equal and there is no objective right and wrong. I’ve heard it said many times that the Book of Mormon was written for our day. As I read through the Book of Mormon this time I looked for instances of warnings for our day. Subjectivism worries me because more and more it is becoming a popular ethic of our day.  In our society more and more becomes justified in the name of self-expression or acceptance. In the pursuit of acceptance, we forfeit judgment between right and wrong, the very discernment that makes us human. 

While the ethic of subjectivism may be on the rise it is certainly not new. Subjectivist morality actually made several appearances in the Book of Mormon.  The first character to teach subjectivism in the Book of Mormon was Nehor, who while not claiming that there was no God, taught that there was no God and evil.  By this teaching all men could be saved without good works of any kind.  This idea became incredibly popular and lead Nehor to starting his own church. People are naturally drawn to the idea that are no consequences to their actions. It is appealing because it does away with pesky emotions like guilt and personal responsibility. The trouble with subjectivism is that it has no limits.  This is seen in the story of Nehor, while his ideas were popular he could not defend them. Nehor was challenged by a wise old man by the name of Gideon. He was powerless against Gideon’s objections to his flawed philosophy and killed Gideon.  Nehor quickly saw that actions have consequences, as he as tried for murder and put to death. 

His story is contrasted to the Nephites who followed a system of law and order.  Through following correct and aimless principals they were able to become an incredibly prosperous people and gain more than enough wealth to care for their every need. Through following virtues instead of their own subjective desires to eat drink and be marry the were not only able to care for themselves and their families, but to care for the poor and needy in their communities. 

This story proves the old adage, by their fruits ye shall know them. In the short-run, subjectivism and eat drink, and be merry ethics may lead to temporary pleasures.  In the long-run however, values and virtues lead to true and lasting success.  One gains mastery of the hardest institution to conquer, the self, and in doing so gains a greater sense of worth, provides a better life for their family, and becomes a more productive and useful member of the community.