Rational thinking is the ability to reason. But, just because we have the ability, does not mean we use that ability to reason the correct way.

Rationalize:

: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.

Medical Definition of RATIONALIZE

transitive verb

: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable; especially : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives

When describing bad behavior with the intent to make it seem more attractive without analysis of what is true ...challenges us to also define bad and right & wrong.

Do we accept the ideals of all cultures?  Is cannibalism wrong in one society, yet acceptable in another?  That may seem extreme to you, but it is not to others.

Who decides what is bad, and what is not?

Who decides what is right & what is wrong?

Is the most powerful the one who decides?  Is mob rule, or dictatorial government acceptable to you?

To be honest, the most powerful will decide ...but, the One who is most powerful has decided to be compassionate in the sense of giving us the liberty to make mistakes.

Yet, the One whom I'm referring to ...also decides what is considered a mistake.

What that means, is that the Bible clearly explains many things that we choose to ignore.  We attempt to define right & wrong, when the Bible, as the Word of God, does not grant us that blissful ignorance.

There has to be a standard, otherwise there will be no others to be wise.

The wise look to help those who have not the knowing ...to share in that which the wise know.  

I do not claim to be wise. The only wisdom I can attain is by seeking out Him, so I can refer you to He who is ...and He who died, for our sake, so we could know.  And we know more clearly of God, if only we accept His Son who came to glorify Him.  

Jesus is He of whom the Old Testament prophesied of ...and who truly sacrificed for our lacking, so we would not lack.  The Bible clearly shows us this ...and I repeat it, because not enough emphasis can be given to that fact.   And though we may attempt to find reason to rationalize away from that truth ...it will never be a satisfactory reason.