A Christian Response:
Dear Facing the Future,
I am so pleased to hear that you have had the determination and God given strength to make this far in your education with such high grades as well as line up such an amazing job. God has truly blessed you. Also you love for your siblings is to be commended. Your desire to help them get a higher education is a great example of the desire that God has for us to succeed. It is only natural to be nervous about your capstone exam, especially if you do not feel comfortable taking tests. However, it is never okay to cheat. Even with the best intentions, it is never okay. Cheating is a sin and gives you an unfair advantage that the other students in your class do not have. Even if you do not get caught you (and God) will know that you diploma was not achieved honestly. The wrong thing for the right reason is still wrong. If you cheat on your exam, God will forgive you because he is merciful, but you will struggle with the knowledge of your sin forever. Would you approve of your siblings cheating to graduate? If no, then lead by example. The fact that you wrote me this letter shows me that the Holy Spirit has placed conviction in your heart and you are looking for clarification. I am here to witness to you and tell you that, if it is not something you would be proud of and willing to shout from the rooftops, then don’t do it. Study for your test and pray for the wisdom to pass it. Ask and you shall receive (read Matthew 7:7), and remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (read Philippians 4:13).
May God give you Strength and Guidance,
Abbott
A Humanist Response:
Dear Facing the Future,
Let me first tell you that I think that it is wonderful and a true credit to you that you have had the determination and motivation to move through school in such excellent standing. As a Humanist you should be more than proud of your accomplishments and your continued desire to achieve your goals. However, I must caution you that cheating is never the answer. I understand your fear of losing all of your hard work because of one test, but you would also lose yourself worth and self respect if you cheated. Although Humanism supports self reliance and living a joyful life, there are basic moral principles that must be followed in order to maintain that peaceful balance. Two of those are Personal Integrity and Trustworthiness. Both of these require that as people we stay honest and responsible. Should we fail in these two areas then we will suffer the consequences as well as the people around us. It is not just your future that hangs in the balance because of this test, but your friend as well. Your dishonesty could result in punishment for you as well as him. Trust that you have studied the material and that you have acquired the knowledge. Your preparation will result in success, despite your nervousness. Years from know you will delight in knowing your achievement was obtained honestly and with integrity. If you choice to cheat, then you will know that your achievement was based on a lie and that will be a truth you alone will have to suffer with.
Sincerely,
Abbot
A Buddhist Response:
Dear Facing the Future,
Your quest for knowledge is a noble one. Our lives should be filled with wisdom and compassion. You have both. Life is full of struggle and we are meant to overcome struggle. Your current struggle is with your capstone exam and the notion that you may not achieve your academic goals without cheating on the exam. Unfortunately, should you cheat; your spiritual journey will suffer. The Sanskrit talks about our Karma, the effect of your intentions either in this life or in the next. It is impossible to know exactly what Karma will deliver to you should you cheat. Cheating on your exam, for any reason, is dishonesty and Buddhism believes that the same dishonesty you display will be returned to you. It is the intention of Buddhism to live a life that does not hurt others by our actions or by our words. I understand that your intentions are good; you want to provide for your siblings and achieve one of your goals. However, you do not know in what way the consequences will affect you or the people around you.
In order to get as far as you have with the grades that you have achieved, you have spent countless hours preparing. Your high scores are a direct result of your hard work. If you desire to lead a spiritual life and follow the Buddhist path, than you must follow the honest road. Before your exam, make sure that you have spent time in meditation, clearing your mind and preparing your soul. This will bring you peace and calmness that you will need. Your good Karma will help with the rest. Be confident.
Namaste
Abbot
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