Does the end justify the means?

The notion that good ends do justify evil means—also known as “consequentialism”—is probably the most popular moral heresy in the world.  We all believe it to some degree or other. You could argue, in fact, that it’s practically the definition of sin.  It’s what Adam and Eve attempted when they sought the good end of “wisdom” by the evil means of disobeying God.  It’s what everybody tries every time we sin.  And we do it because we all want something good: we all want happiness. Read more…