This is not an attempt to bash Christians or their beliefs. I just want to address the morons across the south who try to put the 10 commandments either on a wall or in a monument at the (taxpayer funded) courthouse. Honestly, people, the 10 commandments certainly are the basis of much Christian doctorine, beliefs and practice, but they are hardly the basis of Western law. I believe the Magna Carta holds that honor.
Here's what bugs me- if you broke all 10 commandments, how many crimes would you have committed under US law? Two. Murder and theft. So 80% of the 10 commandments aren't even against the law. In addition, 2 of them aren't practiced by the mainstream Evangelicals usually caught up in these circuses. The proscription against graven images (Muslims do a better job covering this one) and worshiping on the seventh day (the Adventists and the Jews get this one right) are completely ignored.
Anyway, I have no problem with anyone holding any religious belief. Just don't be ignorant of history.
3 comments:
My problem with those wanting the 10 commandments posted in government buildings is that if it is true the the ten commandments are an element of an eternal religion (which I, as a Christian, believe they are) then why would you want them tethered to something as fleeting as a particular nation?
Agreed that the Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights of 1689 have a much more elementary role as a basis for Western jurisdiction.
Finally having enough time to read and write ( a short breather while on the lam)
I really appreciate your choices so far, bro...keep it up, and I will try to lure some thinkers to join in the fun.
Wouldn't it be great if the courthouses used some of the other just as sacred and maybe more universally appropriate texts that Moses wrote. the one I really wish were more generally inscribed, believed and followed is:
De 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Wait, you say. That's not very universal. Well, if you allow "the Lord thy God" to mean the best things about you, and your culture, then cling to them wiht all you are...maybe it could be a good thing.
Then the addition that that first century Rabbi made, by saying the second greatest commandment is close to this one: "Love your neighbor as your self"...well, then you're talking civilised!
OK one step further..."do unto others as you would have others do unto you" Can you imagine a society that followed that one?
Steve, that one's a stunner. What has the administration ever done that meets this test?
Post a Comment