I am so sorry to hear about your brother. That must be so painful for your family. I'm lifting up a prayer for you all.
Your comment about if people didn't have good morals, they kept it well hidden is very important. At that time, we had such a united culture, whether Protestant, Catholic or Jewish, that everyone pretty much agreed on the rules of civil behavior. There was just the unspoken understanding that you were to do the right thing, and as you said, people were ashamed to let it be known they had done wrong. Some modernists might say that is cruel or harsh, but I think it actually helps people to be good. Even if they don't have the whole moral base, they know what right and wrong is.
I knew when I wrote that that it deserved more explanation and you did an excellent job of voicing mutual opinion. Pandora's Box has been opened and let loose all kinds of evils to flourish and spread. Ego, greed and mans desire for self gratification often overrides morals.
We all know that for a society to prosper a common code of ethics is necessary.
Thank you for the prayers boxlunch, that is kind of you!