When we hear the term “moral blindness,” we are compelled to reflect on the choices and behaviors that we, as individuals and as a society, often choose to ignore. As defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary, turning a blind eye means “to ignore something that you know is wrong.” Similarly, Macmillan Dictionary describes burying one’s head in the sand as “ignoring a problem or unpleasant situation,” hoping it will simply disappear. Though these phrases might seem like innocuous expressions, they unveil a deeper problem that has profound implications for our world today.
What Is Moral Blindness?
Moral blindness is a state of unawareness or insensibility to moral issues—issues that relate both to our own actions and our treatment of others. This term, as explored in “Moral Blindness: The Loss of Sensitivity in Liquid Modernity” by Zygmunt Bauman and Leonidas Donskis, emphasizes how evil today often manifests not in grand acts of violence or oppression, but in the subtle, everyday insensitivity to the suffering of others. It is seen in our refusal to understand, or in our casual turning away from matters requiring our ethical attention.
This blindness is all the more concerning in a world rife with moral crises, from gun violence and systemic racism to environmental neglect and the mistreatment of vulnerable populations. When such issues are met with fleeting outrage—grief that dissipates as fast as it arises—moral blindness becomes the status quo. We grieve, offer empty thoughts and prayers, and then return to our routines, avoiding the discomfort of sustained engagement.
As a nation, we are confronted with several profound moral challenges that test our collective conscience and compassion. The deportation of immigrants, including those who have lived here for years and possess proper documentation, raises questions about justice, belonging, and the value we place on human dignity. Additionally, the potential rise in health insurance costs threatens the well-being of countless families, especially those on fixed or limited incomes. The effects of tariffs often disproportionately impact middle- and lower-income individuals, making it harder for them to afford everyday necessities. Amidst these hardships and ethical dilemmas, I am continually reminded that God’s grace and mercy surpass all human limitations, offering hope and encouragement even in the face of adversity.
The Connection Between Moral and Spiritual Blindness
Moral blindness often intersects with a deeper spiritual blindness. The latter is a condition in which individuals are incapable of perceiving or understanding divine truth. Acts 28:26–27 describes this state poignantly: though people hear, they do not understand; though they see, they do not perceive. Their hearts grow dull, their ears barely hear, and their eyes close to the reality of God’s workings in the world.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:14, elaborates that spiritual blindness stems from a rejection of God’s Spirit. This lack of spiritual discernment results in judgments and decisions made solely on a human level, ignoring the divine guidance that brings clarity and purpose to our moral compass.
Moral and spiritual blindness together create a dangerous feedback loop. When we are spiritually blind, we lose touch with the moral standards established by God. This disconnection allows us to justify, rationalize, or simply ignore the injustices around us. Yet, as believers, we are not called to passivity or complacency. God holds His people accountable, urging them to be vessels of righteousness and light in a dark world.
A Call to Confront Moral Blindness
How, then, should we respond to the moral issues of our time? As Christians, we are often torn between two extremes. On one hand, some believers feel compelled to take their concerns to the streets, to legislative halls, and even to courtrooms, confronting societal principalities head-on. On the other, some retreat, choosing to focus solely on private faith rather than public action, wary of becoming “moral police.” Both approaches, when extreme, can miss the mark.
The Bible calls us to a different way—one characterized by humility, mercy, and love. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this ethos: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” We should engage with moral issues not from a place of self-righteousness but with a heart that reflects God’s radical love and justice. Our actions should shine brightly in a way that draws others to the transformative power of the gospel.
This does not mean ignoring the moral decay around us. Far from it. To turn a blind eye to suffering or injustice is to abdicate our role as God’s servants. Jesus himself opened blind eyes and unstopped deaf ears, both physically and spiritually (Isaiah 35:5). Likewise, we are called to be His instruments, challenging systems of oppression and extending compassion to the marginalized.
The Impact of Moral Blindness Today
The effects of moral blindness are evident in many facets of modern life. Consider, for instance, the widespread issue of homelessness. It is easy to walk past those in need, rationalizing that someone else will help or that their plight is their own doing. Similarly, the climate crisis demands urgent action, yet many choose convenience over stewardship, turning a blind eye to the long-term consequences of their choices.
We also see moral blindness in the normalization of violence, whether through entertainment, policy inaction, or our collective numbness to tragedies like school shootings. Each instance contributes to a culture where we prioritize our comfort over the discomfort of grappling with complex problems.
Shining Light in the Darkness
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 that we are ministers of God’s mercy and truth. Our mission is to shine light in a world darkened by ignorance and despair. When we live out our faith authentically—marked by acts of kindness, justice, and mercy—we become catalysts for change. Our good works, seen by others, can point them to the glory of Christ, whose light has the power to dispel all blindness, moral or spiritual.
As Christians, we must confront the moral and spiritual blindness within ourselves and in the world. Turning a blind eye is not an option. Instead, we are called to engage actively and compassionately, trusting that God’s grace equips us to make a difference in society.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 