Ethical Dilemmas

Name: Alyssa Marquez

Date: 9/17/2017

Christian World View 101

Dr. Rasor

Word Count: 1000-1500

Introduction

In this essay, I will be discussing and evaluating the ethical dilemma from a Christian world view perspective. People experience dilemma is so many ways and every day. It is hard to say if you are positively making the right choice in trying to fix your dilemma. You should always try and follow your heart. It will always be right in the decision that is best for you in that particular situation.

Ethical Dilemma

In this particular dilemma, we are dealing with the consumption of performance enhancing drugs. As a successful young athlete, Paul has been working hard in the weight room and on the field, and he has earned a starting position on his team. As his team develops, some members of his team have been experimenting with a new performance enhancing drug and have seen remarkable results. The drug is not a banned substance, largely because it is not widely known, and Paul has seen it work for several of his teammates, who remind Paul of the remarkable fact that this drug cannot be traced by any drug test available. Paul wants to succeed but is finding he may be left behind by those who are getting bigger and faster. The coach seems to be aware of the drug use but has turned a blind eye to it because the team has been winning so far and the drug is technically not an illegal substance yet. Paul was just told by his coach that some changes may be taking place and he may lose his starting position. His friend offered him a sample of the drug to “catch up” with the others. (Example Dilemma Worksheet) The dilemma here is that Paul could either take the drugs and cheat or he can work even harder and do it like you are supposed to with hard work and dedication. To resolve this dilemma, he can do one of the following:

• Take the drugs with the rest of his teams and continue to be the starter on his team because after all he worked hard to get there the first time.
• He cannot take the drugs and work even harder than what he has been as well as confront the coach about what is going on with the team and his ignoring it because they are cheating in getting their victories.

Core Beliefs

                In the Christian world view, this would be a dilemma that would be handled by not taking the drugs. The bible Proverbs 11:3 says “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” You must have integrity in everything you do. To be honest and know that you got where you are in the right way. By Paul taking the drug, he would not be being this. He would be cheating and that is a sin in the eyes or a Christian. He was able to let the devil tempt him in taking the drug with everyone else. In Revelation 21:27 it says, “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.” This would be what would those drugs do to you? Are they safe for you? Will you be tempted in wanting more and become addicted? It was not made for Paul to take the drugs.

Resolution

        The resolution would be that Paul not take the drugs and work harder at his talent. He may also then want to go have a conversation with the coach or another adult and tell them what is going on. It is the right thing to do to make sure that all the kids have the same opportunity as the other when it comes to making the starting spot. It would not be safe for Paul or the others to be taking the drug because they do not know what the long-term affects are. It is also cheating and being dishonestly with not only themselves but the rest of the team because they are not really working for what they have completely on their own. They are using the drug to help them get there a lot fast.

Evaluation

        As a result of Paul’s honesty and not taking the drug might be beneficial to him. It would be making him feel better about him doing it on his own and know that the rest had to use drugs to get where he got on his own. It might get people in trouble but at the end of the day by Paul going to someone about the drugs could be potentially saving someone’s life if the drugs were dangerous to take in the first place. There is a reason that drugs are not allowed when it comes to performance. It gives you a bigger advantage then your opponent.