Stealing for Survival: A Personal Journey and Moral Reflection
Stealing can be a deeply ingrained behavior for those who have faced difficult life circumstances. This personal journey explores how individuals like Domenic, who may have committed theft, can live with themselves and reconcile their actions. Through this examination, we also delve into the role of a moral compass, the Holy Spirit, and the concept of conscience.
From a Child to Adulthood
My past with stealing began as a toddler, where I would steal from babysitters and their school friends. Even at a young age, I hated clutter, which led to my habit of throwing things away and giving things away. However, as life circumstances evolved, so did my awareness of the wrongness of my actions.
At the age of 25, I found myself charged with a felony. This was a turning point in my life. I grew up poor and often smelled of cigarettes, but I never had much to begin with. Poverty and a constant struggle with my mother's expectations left me with limited choices. I was never able to work due to my mother's insistence that I focus on cheerleading instead.
After my initial arrest, my charges were dropped, and I was fortunate enough to have no criminal record. This experience taught me a valuable lesson—no one is beyond redemption if they are willing to change. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to live a life where I never take something I didn't earn, and I have stopped throwing things away, understanding that resources don't come without effort.
The Role of Conscience and the Holy Spirit
When we talk about individuals who steal, it's essential to consider the role of conscience and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a central tenet in many religious traditions, often associated with a feeling of peace and guidance. People who have the Holy Spirit tend to have a moral compass, even if they may still make mistakes. These individuals typically experience remorse and make amends eventually.
Conscience, on the other hand, is the inner sense of right and wrong. People without the Holy Spirit might not feel remorse for their actions, but this does not mean they are devoid of a conscience. The Holy Spirit guides the heart, and even without its direct influence, human beings can still feel regret and make moral choices.
Consider the example of a shark. A shark does not question its actions after killing someone; similarly, a lion does not reflect on attacking a human. These are natural, instinctual responses. Likewise, a mosquito does not experience guilt for stealing blood. These are survival mechanisms, not moral judgments.
Does this mean that a person can have an evil spirit that leads them to steal? Not necessarily. Humans have a complex relationship between their animal instincts and their ability to make moral choices. The Holy Spirit, in religious traditions, is a guide that helps one understand and act upon their moral responsibilities.
Can Stealing Be Justified?
Is there ever a circumstance where stealing is justified? For instance, if someone was threatening you and you were in self-defense. Would you feel remorse in such a scenario, or would you question the dangers that led you to that situation?
The experience of Domenic, who is described as 'totally destroying' someone's life, raises profoundly ethical questions. If someone feels no guilt or remorse, it could be a sign that their Animal Kingdom (lower instincts) is dominating their Birchaid (moral compass). However, not all animal actions are necessarily wrong. It is the capacity to reflect and act ethically that defines a higher moral life.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the idea of stealing and living with oneself is a complex one. It involves understanding the nature of our actions, the role of conscience, and the influence of the Holy Spirit. For many, the path to redemption is a personal journey of understanding and making amends. Whether one has the Holy Spirit or not, the capacity to reflect and act ethically is a fundamental aspect of human life.