This is the true state of a person. Although the Bible tells me that man has free will and the church has explained that this free will is the reason that some people make bad choices, I believe that "those who are made new in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit" ("Our Core Values & Beliefs"). .
I believe that we know things through the pursuit of knowledge and faith. I believe that "God speaks to us through Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience" (White). In other words, everything that we encounter from the scripture to our personal experiences is intend to teach us something that will help us to better serve God. We know things because God shows us things and allows us to form our decisions about the information. I have been shown through the church that if you want to know something, pray about it and God will show you what you need to know.
Finally, about ethics, I know what is right and wrong in the same way that I know that there is a God. The Bible clearly outlines what is expected of us. The church interprets this and provides insight. Experience allows us to see the consequences of our actions and logic allows us to critically evaluate our choices. What is right never brings harm to others and what is wrong brings harm. When there is a thin line between the two, again, one must pray to find the answers. .
In the story "The Ransom of Red Chief," O. Henry presents Sam as being a desperate man who, along with his partner, Bill, aimed to kidnap a ten year old boy and hold him for ransom. It is clear that Sam believes in God as he references the church throughout the story. It is notable that he does not seem to have had a positive experience with the church as he considers Mr. Dorset an "upright collection-plate passer" (Henry 1). It seems that perhaps he considers the church as being more of a wealthy person's place but he holds to the idea that the Bible is a true story and that there is a place for the teachings of the church.