Explaining Unconscionable Societal Behavior

In Romans 2:14-16, the apostle Paul asserts that human beings possess a divinely appointed conscience, by which they “exhibit an instinctive, rational capacity for moral discernment” (Gagnon, 2001, p. 373):

"For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature, do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus."

The inevitable question is, Why then do we see such pervasive ungodliness within society that can often be accurately described as "unconscionable," where individuals and institutions both practice and passionately promote what Scripture describes as all manner of unrighteousness? (Romans 1:32)

Branch (2022) outlines three critical limitations to keep in mind whereby the conscience, called to serve as the warning light on the dashboard of our life, ceases to appropriately alert us to ethical issues at hand:

“First, [the conscience] is only as good as its reference point: if one’s conscience is informed by God’s Word and holy ideas, the conscience can be helpful. But if the conscience is only informed by vulgarity and unholy thinking, then it can become useless. The danger of the conscience becoming useless leads to the second major limitation: it can become seared (1 Timothy 4:2), so much so that it ceases to function as a warning light. When this happens, we approve of actions that are actually sinful. The final limitation is that we are all morally responsible for the condition of our conscience. The media we watch, the books we read, the conversations we enjoy, and the thoughts we indulge all affect the degree to which the conscience functions properly.” (p. 16)

So, when we witness cultural depravity on display at an increasing and alarming scale, we must recognize the role that a faulty and seared conscience plays in such futile thinking and darkened hearts. (Romans 1:21)

Finally, we must strive personally to yield daily to the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within believers at the moment of salvation (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit helps us grow in grace and conformity to Christ by teaching us doctrinal truth and ethical application (John 16:13).

References:

Branch, J. A. (2022). 50 ethical questions: Biblical Wisdom for Confusing Times. Lexham Press.

Gagnon, R. A. J. (2003). The Bible and homosexual practice : texts and hermeneutics. Abingdon Press.