Don,
I will read Luke 4:16-30 over again before I address it.
You wonder why some people are so against Christians. There's really only three reasons I can think of:
1. Wronged by Christians;
2. Condemned by Christian morals; and
3. Told that their own beliefs are inferior to Christianity.
Realize, of course, that these could apply just as well to probably any group besides Christians. For all the goodness preached by Jesus, Christians have done just as many bad things as any other group of people.
I don't mean to be antagonistic, but how many other ethical systems are you familiar with? Buddhism is very appealing. I don't know much about Taoism, but I haven't heard anything bad about it. Nearly every Mormon I've met has been a very decent person. I have a lot of Jewish friends who are wonderful people. One of the most gentle people I've ever met is some sort to New Age cultist who has a guru... of course, I could see him crack at any moment... ha ha... you'd have to know him to appreciate the humour.
Why do you think Judeo/Christian ethics are so superior? Now... If you consider it a superlative system, then I'd partially agree; i.e., it is the best, but that there are many "best" ethical systems - it is not unique in being superior, but it is one of the best. If, however, you consider it in the comparative, then I'd disagree; i.e., you think all other systems are inferior.
I think that Judeo/Christian ethics is one of the better systems. I, myself, live by morals guided by these ethics. I am not currently looking for a better ethical system, but that is not to say there isn't one that is better. I'm always open to exploring another system. My current system is so much a part of me, that it would take some very concrete justifications to change. It would be hubris on my part to consider my system superior to all other systems. I don't know enough of any other system to claim one even to be one of the best.
I think it's a given that the US is founded on Christian morals. I'm not about to argue why the US is a great nation. If might makes right, then the US is, IMHO, currently the greatest nation on Earth. Such was the Roman Empire. Such was the Mongol Empire. Such was the Aztec Empire. I hope the US has the longevity of the British Empire - going strong since 1066 (and before).
Here's an interesting question: Do you think women should be allowed employment once they are married?
Greg |
