Moral Character and Resiliency
There is a strong relationship between moral character and human resiliency. In the mental health arena, clinicians are starting to recognize the negative side of that relationship in veterans of military conflict. When soldiers violate their own sense of right and wrong, they can experience symptoms that have previously been attributed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While the study of "moral injury" deserves a more thorough discussion, it is sufficient at this point, I think, to state the obvious: guilt and shame are as destructive as fear, misery and trauma. There is also a positive side to this relationship between moral character and resiliency. Commitment to a strong, comprehensive set of values can help people endure suffering and bounce back. <!-- wp:more --> <!--more--> <!-- /wp:more --> The life of the Christian apostle Paul illustrates this relationship. At various times, Paul was imprisoned, whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwreck...