“Justice, human dignity and truth are unconditional duties.”
To some extent, many of you would agree with this statement, but Islam’s Divine Commands is a concept that I disagree with. As a Christian, I heavily believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. The Islamic belief is based on the Qur’an, whose ethical principles are commanded by Allah and based on the oneness with Tawhid.
There was my first disconnect with this principle. I don’t judge those who believe in these Islamic principles, but it is hard for me to see the significance in this principle when it is not of my religious beliefs.
While reading through this principle, I saw something that struck me. “No God exists but Allah.” I could banter on about how I disagree with this statement, but we would be here for days!
“When you judge among people, judge with justice.” Here, I understand what they imply, judge one with fairness. But, based on my Christian beliefs, one is not supposed to judge others. James 4:12 says, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” God is the only one who can save and destroy, therefore he is the only one fit to judge.
Although, one can argue that Islamic and Christian beliefs are similar, I believe and see things in a different light. Yes, justice, human dignity, and truth are relevant to media ethics, but there are several other principles that discuss the importance in these principles without the Islamic beliefs attached to it.
This principle argues that justice, human dignity, and truth will bring fulfillment and well-being to societies everywhere. The issue with that statement is that societies have different definitions with what is considered just, humane and rightfully true.
For instance, in some parts of Africa, it is just to stone a women who has proven to commit adultery. Here in America, that is not rightfully so. Yes, infidelity is frowned upon, but not punishable by death. Many say George Zimmerman should have went to prison, but the judge saw it differently.
Different interpretations on certain aspects in life is why we have an ethics class today. One may interpret what is just differently from others. There will never be a certain topic or situation that everyone in the world will agree on.
What three principles do you feel will bring fulfillment to societies everywhere? What three life principles are important to you?
Stanzza Patterson 