What does the term Moral Madness mean? These words seem mutually exclusive. “Moral” being something positive, while “madness” having a negative connotation.
In describing people, a moral person is one who is concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct and is capable of conforming to them; one who understands the distinction between right and wrong; ethical. Morality is how you live your life as a good, wholesome, honest citizen. It is synonymous with: upright, honest, straightforward, virtuous, honourable.
Madness, on the other hand, can be described by senseless folly, frenzy or rage; or in one word: insanity. What does insanity mean? It means, not acting in your right mind. It can be a derangement of the mind. In the psychiatric world we would call it psychosis (a mental disorder characterized by symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, that indicate impaired contact with reality). Even though you may be in your right mind, when you do something extremely, glaringly inappropriate, in English often the question is asked, “Are you insane? Why would you do that?”
Now I ask, how do these seemingly mutually exclusive terms correlate?
In years gone by, the term madness/insanity was often used for persons with a mental illness.
The term Moral Madness has been around for quite some time. If we substitute the word “insanity” for “madness” then the term has been around since 1835 when a physician named James Prichard first used the term to describe “a mental disorder in his Treatise on insanity and other disorders affecting the mind. He defined moral insanity as: ‘madness consisting in a morbid perversion of the natural feelings, affections, inclinations, temper, habits, moral dispositions, and natural impulses, without any remarkable disorder or defect of the interest or knowing and reasoning faculties, and particularly without any insane illusion or hallucinations.’ . . .
“Moral insanity referred to a type of mental disorder consisting of abnormal emotions and behaviours in the apparent absence of intellectual impairments, delusions, or hallucinations. It was an accepted diagnosis in Europe and America through the second half of the 19th century. . . .
“Moral insanity was a form of mental derangement in which the intellectual faculties were unaffected, but the affects or emotions were damaged, causing patients to be carried away by some kind of furious instinct.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_insanity
“Moral insanity is said to consist in a morbid perversion of the moral feelings, affections, inclinations, temper, habits, and moral dispositions, without an notable lesion of the intellect, or knowing and reasoning faculties, and particularly without any maniacal hallucination.” Prichard, art. Insanity, in Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine. https://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Moral+insanity
So, in essence, the combining of the two terms describe an intelligent and intellectual person who is displaying abnormal emotions and behaviours, and their conduct is governed by these emotions rather than their intellectual reasoning.
Ellen G. White actually used this term in one of her quotes. James Prichard, who came up with the term was a well known doctor in her time.
“Moral Madness to Prefer Praise of Men.—When a man comes to his right mind, he begins to reflect upon his relation to his Maker. It is moral madness to prefer the praise of men to the favor of God, the rewards of iniquity to the treasures of heaven, the husks of sin to the spiritual food God gives His children. Yet how many who display intelligence and shrewdness in worldly things, manifest an utter disregard to those things that pertain to their eternal interest (ST May 19, 1881).” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1000
Her description of the term “moral madness” in the last sentence reflects a similar sentiment that James Pritchard had.
There are three things mentioned in this paragraph that she describes as moral madness:
1) “Prefer the praise of men to the favour of God.”
It is common for selfish human nature to seek the praise of men above the favour of God, whether in worldly circles or religious circles. Men deny their principles, or youth succumb to peer pressure, all to seek favour and glory from the world. Their reason tells them that this is not correct, but their emotions are controlling their actions. It feels so nice to be accepted and praised by men—to receive accolades and honours and then take great pride in these as though they come from within the person.
The Lord inspires you to preach a powerful sermon, and then the congregation praises your work in the end. Rather than giving honour and glory to God, you feel very proud. Reason tells you it was the Lord who inspired you, but your emotions feel pride in your own accomplishments. Your emotions take precedence. Although it has not led to outward actions, your thoughts are bordering on moral madness.
King Zedekiah had been instructed by Jeremiah. However, he preferred the favour of his men over the favour of God. After a meeting with Jeremiah, he told Jeremiah to keep their meeting secret for fear of the reaction of the Jews. He was the king, was he not? His word was law. “And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.” Jeremiah 38:19. “Zedekiah was faithfully instructed through the prophet Jeremiah, how he might be preserved from the calamities that would surely come upon him if he did not change his course and serve the Lord. The calamities came, because he would not, through obedience, place himself under the protection of God. With his eyes put out, he was led in chains of captivity to Babylon.
“What a sad and awful warning is this to those who harden themselves under reproof, and who will not humble themselves in repentance, that God may save them!” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1040. This is moral madness.
In the days of Christ, when they were giving their offerings, there was the widow who gave her two mites (Luke 21:2). She gave quietly, in secret, so no one could see. She was seeking the favour of God above the praise of men. It was only Jesus who praised her sacrificial offering. The rich made loud and ostentatious displays when they gave a small portion of their abundance. They gave to be seen of men. The Lord was more pleased with the two mites the widow gave than the large donations that were not given from the correct motive. Jesus described these leaders as “hypocrites” (Matthew 23:13).
Regarding the religious leaders in Christ’s day, it is written: “And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6:11. Who were filled with madness? It was the religious leaders in the Jewish church—the church of God at that time. Their intellect told them that this Jesus was the son of God, but their pride and arrogance (their emotions) refused to accept Him as the Messiah. The praise of men was of more importance than the favour of God. When the people were flocking to Jesus, they became “mad” as He seemed to be more popular than they were. They became spiritually insane—controlled by unreasonable emotions.
2) Prefer “the rewards of iniquity to the treasures of heaven”
Satan offers many rewards for iniquity. Intellectually you may know that the rewards of iniquity lead to destruction, but your emotions may love the ways of the world.
You are divorced and your reason tells you what the Bible says about remarriage, but your emotions control your actions and you seek for companionship and possible marriage with another person, rather than the Lord.
Your reason tells you that cheating on your taxes is sin, but your greed tells you that you will gain more money in return and can “help the church.” The Lord is not interested in ill-gotten gain. Greed can overrule reason as it did with Judas Iscariot.
Your reason tells you it is sin to sit around and do nothing at work when the employer is not present, but your laziness overrules and you do it anyhow, stating you are tired.
Your reason tells you that this sharp business deal is slightly dishonest, but your greed once again gains the upper hand and you follow through.
This is moral madness—preferring the rewards of iniquity.
What rewards does iniquity give? If you ask young people in the world, many boast of the great freedom and pleasure that iniquity gives. They joyously speak of the iniquitous activities they partake of, the parties they attend, their freedom to consume any unhealthful food, beverage, or drug, or smoke any substance they choose, stating that the Christian’s life of abstinence and self-denial is a life devoid of happiness. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Satan is the great deceiver and presents the world of sin as a wonderful place of freedom for a person to do as he pleases, indulging their lusts with no limit.
But, is there a reward? Ask the man who is dying of lung cancer if his smoking is bringing him happiness now. Ask the man whose liver is about to give up, or his broken home, or lost job, and inability to function well in society whether his alcohol abuse was worth it. And what about those with cancer in their digestive system—was it worth the pleasure of eating meat, while the person who has led an abstemious life is enjoying good health and strength well into their 80’s. Is fame and fortune making people free? Are they not needing constant protection from the paparazzi and wicked people who wish them harm? Can they walk the streets alone in freedom?
Where is true freedom? True freedom is found in the treasures of heaven—in Jesus. In peace, happiness trust, contentment, all of which can be experienced now for free. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1
We have not been promised riches, glory and honour in this world. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:8. That is all. This is enough treasure. We believe the Lord has a mansion prepared for us as He promised (John 14:1–3).
It is moral madness to desire the pleasures of the world—the rewards of iniquity, when we are offered treasure in heaven, without cost. It is free. All the Lord asks in exchange is your sinful polluted heart. “My son, give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26
3) To prefer “the husks of sin to the spiritual food that God gives His children.”
Why is the term “husks of sin” used? What is a husk? It is often used to describe the outer part of a corn, but it can be the outer outer part of anything, especially when dry or worthless. It is the empty shell.
Sin leaves a person feeling hollow and hungry, the same as physically eating a husk does not satisfy you. You go away hungry. However, the food that God gives is life eternal. It is satisfying. The world provides husks—they look good on the outside, but are empty inside. However, many prefer the husks of sin to spiritual food.
When you are in church, are you listening to the sermon—the spiritual food from the Lord? Or are you sending messages and/or surfing the internet with your phone? Which food are you eating? Your reason tells you that surfing the ‘net and sending text messages during the sermon is wrong; however, you are unable to resist that conversation. You are impatient and cannot wait until the service is over; you are distracted from the service, and perhaps, in your mind, the sermon seems boring. It is the message of the Lord for you, and it may not come with nice pictures as seen in Facebook photos; it only contains words of encouragement and counsel.
During your free time at home after work, what food are you eating? The word of God or the pleasures of the world? “Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jeremiah 15:16. Your reason tells you that watching movies on the internet is wrong and a waste of precious time, but you are tired after work and want to relax and let the mind go blank. Your emotions get the better of you.
Literally speaking, your reason may tell you that a certain food is unhealthy, but your body craves this food as it just tastes so good, so you eat it.
This is moral madness.
“The heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” Ecclesiastes 9:3. All sin is devoid of reason and good sense. Sin is not reasonable; and, unfortunately, the majority prefer the enjoyments of this life as opposed to eternity on the new earth. They only think of the here and now, not the future. They want to, “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Hebrews 11:24
We can learn from nature and the animal kingdom. “Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.” Proverbs 17:12. Who would want to be in the presence of a mother bear robbed of her young? However, according to Solomon, this is not as dangerous as the stubborn perversity of a fool. Moral madness can be quite deceptive, as Judas was to the 11 disciples. He was very intelligent and seemingly very spiritual, so they thought. He had many talents. However, he had a hidden fault—greed—that he was unwilling to let go of and it proved his ruin in the end. He denied Christ. His greed and pride overruled his reason.
Moral madness can sometimes go undetected by the person, as with many persons who have a mental illness. They are in denial when confronted. One Christian teacher described it as such: “Moral madness leads to self-deception, observed in the inability to recognize one’s own rebellion against God’s moral order. We either intellectually deny God’s existence, or we deny God practically by the way we live.” https://www.ezrainstitute.ca/resource-library/sermons/moral-madness
They may claim to be Christians. They may even be a member in God’s church, but their actions show they deny Christ by the way they live—whether they act in secret or in the open. God sees all. They think they are, “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Revelation 3:17. However, they are sadly deceived. They are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. They are living a life in rebellion to God’s law and His morality. They are denying Christ as verily as did Peter.
Although we acknowledge there is a God, do we deny Him practically by the way we live? “In our mingling in society, in families or in whatever relations of life we are placed, either limited or extended, there are many ways wherein we may acknowledge our Lord and many ways wherein we may deny Him. We may deny Him in our words, by speaking evil of others, by foolish talking, jesting and joking, by idle or unkind words, or by prevaricating, speaking contrary to truth. In our words we may confess that Christ is not in us. In our character we may deny Him by loving our ease, by shunning the duties and burdens of life which someone must bear if we do not, and by loving sinful pleasure. We may also deny Christ by pride of dress and conformity to the world, or by uncourteous behavior. We may deny Him by loving our own opinions and by seeking to maintain and justify self. We may also deny Him in allowing the mind to run in the channel of lovesick sentimentalism and to brood over our supposed hard lot and trials.” –Counsels to the Church, p. 81. Ask yourself if you are guilty of denying Christ by your actions. Are you in danger of moral madness?
We have the example of Balaam in the Bible (Numbers 22–24). Had Balaam intellectually followed his reason, he would not have lost his way by covetous desires. He was a prophet of the Lord, but towards the end of his life, there was a change and his actions showed something different. “The way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:15–16. Balaam could be said to have been morally mad. Religious leaders today are not exempt. There are many who live for financial gain and encourage sensuality. They have their eyes only on the material rewards of this earth.
On the opposite side, sanity is to know the Saviour and to reflect His image. Nothing else can make us happy in this life. True happiness results from a life of holiness towards God. This is opposite to the world’s way of thinking, that Christians live a boring and unfulfilled life. This is just a deception of the devil. It is only through the Lord Jesus that we can be reconciled to God, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to be at peace and be happy.
There is often a differing of thought regarding morality in the world, as opposed to morality in Christ, as found in the Bible. The Bible says a man is bound to the spouse they first married, (no remarriage), but the world and nominal Christian churches say it is acceptable to remarry as often as you want, as long as you are legally divorced. Abandoning biblical morality progressively destroys civilizations, as seen in the time of the French Revolution when religion was outlawed. After just three years time the country was in chaos and had to reverse this mandate.
The root of the problem is the love of sin. “Can we not understand that the most costly thing in the world is sin? It is at the expense of purity of conscience, at the cost of losing the favor of God and separating the soul from Him, and at last losing heaven. The sin of grieving the Holy Spirit of God and walking contrary to Him has cost many a one the loss of his soul.” –Faith and Works, p. 17. Sin is pure madness.
In the eyes of the world there is a popular deception that true Christians are the ones who are either mad or deluded, and yet we are the sane ones. In reality, it is those who reject God who become mad. Satan is mad today—mad as a roaring lion, insane, in a frenzy, as time is near the end.
Man is the author of his own destiny and we are all called to make a choice. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15. It is moral madness to choose the way of the world and give up the treasures of heaven. It is insane to give up heaven and eternal life for a few cheap thrills on this earth. Many Christians want both, but it is not possible.
What is sanity in the eyes of God? Prayer, Bible study, working, preaching, acting sanely. We need to pray to God for a revival. Christ alone is the only answer to the problems of humanity.
“Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.” –Steps to Christ, p. 94. This is moral madness.
“Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:30–32
A person may seem very intelligent; however, if he denies his moral obligation to God and others, he can be guilty of moral madness. Insanity is to treat the reality of God as if it were make-believe, or non-essential. The wise men of the world take pride in their wisdom as though it came from them—with no thought of God. The late Professor Stephen Hawking, the eminent Cambridge scientist and cosmologist, is quoted as saying “Heaven is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.” And he thinks himself so wise that he made a “statement last year that the universe was not created by God.” http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1387478/Stephen-Hawking-Heaven-fairy-story-people-afraid-dark.html.
Was this man truly wise? “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19. This poor man died without hope and without God. No, he was not wise. He was morally mad.
Our intellect must be educated by daily Bible reading and then we are to joyfully obey what we read, both intellectually and emotionally. We can say like King David, “ I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart. “
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17. When a person’s thoughts, feelings and emotions overrule their reason, and lead them in a pathway contrary to the law of God—as intelligent or religious as they may appear, the reality is that they are morally insane—mad. May God help us not to partake of the immorality of the madness of this world and not let pride or greed control our reason, but find our peace and sanity in Christ. Amen.
Wendy Eaton