1. Getting It Together: STANDARDS Objectives: Define standards and how they affect our values. Define standards and how they affect our values. Understand moral relativism. Understand moral relativism. Analyze what they value and why. Analyze what they value and why.

2. Let’s talk about standards… ► What do we mean when we say standards? ► Define standards. What are the standards for behavior? Give some examples.

3. …an approved model ► Merriam-Webster says:  Something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example. ► Dictionary.com says:  Something considered by an authority or by general consent as the basis of comparison; an approved model

4. Using standards to measure… ► When I think about standards, I think about a way of measuring my behavior… about discovering what’s okay and what’s not okay for me to do! ► How much does a pound weigh?

5. Moral Relativism ► What does moral relativism have to do with standards of behavior? ► Maybe part of the problem we’re having in our country is that our standards are always changing. Our constitution is constantly being “interpreted” to coincide with the current whims of society. Some conclude that we’ve entered an era or moral relativism…where all sorts of behaviors are tolerated simple because there are people who want to do those things!

6. ► In the early 1970’s, there was a popular sentiment being expressed in songs and on bumper stickers that said: “If it feels good, do it!” ► That’s an interesting and seemingly harmless thought. But in reality, that kind of thinking has resulted in some unhealthy attitudes and actions. ► Because…to some people it apparently “feels good” to use little children for their sexual pleasure. I suppose that to some people it must “feel good” to use illegal drugs. Could it possibly be very exciting and “feel good” for some people to commit robberies and steal from others? And I suppose that to some, it must, in some sick way, “feel good” to kill, rape, or injure people.

7. But, back to pounds… ► …in Washington, D.C., they have determined what a U.S. pound should be, and it is used as the standard for all pounds in this country. ► Every pound in the United States is measured by the “standard” pound that is kept in the Bureau of Weights and Measures! The same is true for gallons, inches, feet, etc.

8. Are you wondering…? ► …what does all of this have to do with values? ► Well, without a standard…our values go up and down. They are constantly changing. ► It’s getting harder and harder to know right from wrong! ► Behaviors that used to be wrong are now either tolerated or completely accepted!

9. ► What are some things that used to be considered “wrong”, that are now thought to be acceptable behaviors? ► What do you think about these changes in standards? ► Making decisions about what we will or will not do is more difficult because the standards are so unclear!

10. What is the standard by which you measure your behavior? ► Open to the Journal section of your Student Manual. Answer this question:  How do YOU decide what is right or wrong in your life?  Try to identify specific criteria you would use in determining whether something is right or wrong…whether something is okay or not okay for you to do.

11. Commit and Toss for Clarity ► On the piece of paper, ANONYMOUSLY re- write what you wrote in your journal (no name). ► Crumple it up and wait for the whole class to be finished. ► After we toss them, we will go around the circle and read the statements. ► Then, we will ask questions to explore the statements in more detail.

12. Commit and Toss for Clarity ► To further explore the responses to the question of “How do you decide what is right and wrong in your life?”, let’s consider these questions:  What does it have to do with standards?  Why?  How do you know for certain?  What does it have to do with whether it’s right or wrong?

13. WHAT DO YOU VALUE? ► Complete the activity on page 71. ► Take a few minutes to check ALL of the things on the list that you value. ► If you have something that’s not on the list, write it down. ► When you are done, rank the top three, with #1 being the thing you value most.

14. Check ALL of the things below that you value. __ popularity__ security__ friends __ money__ music__ clothes __ doing what’s __ honesty__ imagination right__ sincerity__ possessions __ family__ hobby__ athletics __ good looks__ fame__ freedom __ free time__ nature__ school __ physical fitness__ God__ fun __ church__ commitment__ education __ creativity__ opposite sex__ leadership __ knowledge__ self-discipline__ art __ other: _________ other:_________ other: ________

15. Small Group Discussion ► With your table group, share your top three values and explain why you value those things.

16. Closing ► We all struggle with living up to our values and we need to do a better. ► Remember, life is a process of closing the gap between what we say we believe…and how we’re actually living our lives. ► Leaders and growing people are constantly about the business of closing the gap… of making their lives fit their values!