In this bonus episode, TJ and David review the 6 universal moral foundations from Jonathan Haidt’s research in light of their views—and others’—on Christian queer sexuality. This is a follow-up to last week’s discussion, so you may want to listen to that episode also.
If you enjoy this bonus episode, drop us a line! Share feedback or questions by emailing us at communionandshalom@gmail.com.
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For Reference:
The 6 values/foundations from the Moral Foundations research team are as follows:
Care/Harm: related to our long evolution as mammals with attachment systems and an ability to feel (and dislike) the pain of others. It underlies virtues of kindness, gentleness, and nurturing.
Fairness/Cheating: related to the evolutionary process of reciprocal altruism. It generates ideas of justice, rights, and autonomy.
Loyalty/Betrayal: related to our long history as tribal persons that form shifting coalitions. It underlies virtues of patriotism and self-sacrifice for the group (e.g. “one for all, and all for one”).
Authority/Subversion: shaped by our long primate history of hierarchical social interactions. It underlies virtues of leadership and followership, including deference to legitimate authority and respect for traditions.
Sanctity/Degradation: shaped by the psychology of disgust and contamination. It underlies religious notions of striving to live in an elevated, less carnal, more noble way. It underlies the widespread idea that the body is a temple which can be desecrated by immoral activities and contaminants (an idea not unique to religious traditions).
Liberty/Oppression (a potential additional foundation): reactance and resentment people feel toward those who dominate them and restrict their liberty. The hatred of bullies and dominators motivates people to come together to oppose the oppressor.
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Other Resources:
Jonathan Haidt: jonathanhaidt.com
Moral Foundation Theory: moralfoundations.org + Quiz yourmorals.org
The Righteous Mind Book and Resources: righteousmind.com
Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community by Wendell Berry: counterpointpress.com/dd-product/sex-economy-freedom-community/
BONUS: TJ and David on the 6 Moral Foundations in Side B Sexuality