Moral Dilemma

Steve and I rented a movie last week where the story line was fabulous. The language--not so great. I wonder why they think they need to fill a movie with so many curse words? It certainly didn't add anything to the plot line nor did it make the characters more intense. The story line did that all on its own.

But, in any case we found ourselves discussing the moral dilemma presented. So much so we used it as our ice breaker / discussion question at small group. Here it is for you to ponder: you're a cop and a child is kidnapped out of a horrible home. There is no father in the picture, the mother is a druggie and has questionable friends. The child is frequently left alone. You discover the kidnapper loves children, is providing a great home, and the child would have a far better life if left where they are. You know that if they return home, things will be as they always were and the child will be neglected, likely abused, and scarred for life.

What do you do? Report this person? Or let the child stay where they are? Our social system runs on the premise that if a child can be with one of their biological parents, they are better off in the long run. I disagree with that philosophy. My dad was not my biological father. My life would have been far less had that man been in the picture. Everything in me wants the child to have a great life, grow up healthy and happy, unlikely to repeat the generational behavior of her biological mother. But then there's the law. Kidnapping is wrong. We have a moral and spiritual obligation to do what is right and abide by the law. This particular law does not go against scripture so there's no reason not to obey it. But for the child.

I don't anticipate ever being in this position but quite a quandary it is...indeed.