Ethics, what is it, can it be secular?

Right now I am muddling through a whole stack of Applied Ethics mid-terms. These essays are written in response to a real-life Governmental Fraud type of scenario (illegal and over-billing in the Iraq War). In paper after paper that I am reading, I am struck by how various "ethical theories" exist, but then the actual conclusion varies quite widely based upon personality, ethno-cultural background, and occasionally religion.

What does NOT unify these ethical conclusions is the notion that there is one and only one correct answer. In fact, most 'ethics' courses are taught in such a way that norms are basically a thing of the past and all that matters is clearly elucidating one's position.

This leads to a question . . . Can ethics be secular?

My own answer is no.

Ethics is rooted in direct divine command, given by YHWH on Mt. Sinai to Moses and then radically re-interpreted through Jesus the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Law.

Yes, there is still the 'natural law' that points to the inherent moral order of the universe. But, by and large, outside of issues such as reproduction and sexuality, the natural law tells us little. It takes a direct revelation from YHWH to tell us not to practice adultery, not to worship idols, not to covet our neighbor's wife or goods. No where else in secular ethics do such norms exist. In fact, in the secular western nations of Europe and N. America, adultery is no longer outlawed, one can worship idols and covetousness is the grist of the capitalist mill as our very fallen desires are then turned towards fulfilling the expectations of a consumer-driven economy.

So, no, secularists, ethics cannot be taught, only learned. I invite all of my Jewish and Christian colleagues to join me in 'reeducating America' during the next ten years!

Love in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King, follower of the Torah