Santa Claus and virtuous behavior.

Christmas is fast approaching, and it made me consider the idea of authority as a thing that makes sure we act in a virtuous way. Allow me to explain. As a kid, I was told that Santa Claus would know it if I did something bad, and that I would not get any presents if I did. Although I am not sure exactly how seriously I took this threat, I remember that especially in December, I did my very best to be a good girl. Sad as it is, I no longer believe in Santa Claus. I don’t remember exactly when this belief was shattered, but I know that December is no longer equal to a month in which I am especially aware of being ‘good’.

The authority that Santa Claus provided made sure that I acted in a virtuous way. I was told that he would know everything I did, and I believed it. In this sense, faith and moral behavior seem to be interlinked. Of course, the grand example of this connection is the belief in God. But, as I have said before, Christianity in Denmark is fading away and the belief in God in itself is no longer enough to uphold a moral behavior. So what prevents us from doing wrong things?

Of course there is the law, and I do understand how that is powerful enough to prevent our wrongdoings. However, the fear of the law and the consequences that come with breaking it is only put into effect when you actually get caught doing something wrong. It is connected to a certain fear, but not necessarily to guilt. Our incentive to act according to the law is that we do not wish to be punished. It is very different from the idea of an all-seeing, all-powerful God.

It can be compared to the question of whether a tree falling in the forest makes any sound if no one hears it fall. If we do something wrong but are not caught doing it, there is no consequence in relation to the law. If we believe that God sees all, even the wrongdoings that have no witnesses and no way to be linked to us count, since he sees all.

So, as we grow up and stop believing in Santa, or when we no longer believe in God, are we bound to become less virtuous? Or is there a certain innate feeling of right and wrong that causes guilt that is not connected to authority?