The Right Thing
The thing...well, one of the things that really bothers me about the Bible is when people say that we, as a people, need the teachings of Christ to know the difference between right and wrong. Aristotle believed that ethics were a matter of good training. He believed that most people (not Dick Cheney)know the proper way to behave, and they must simply be morally strong enough to behave in accordance with this knowledge. Being a good person amounts to having the inclination to do the right thing and that can be from genetics or learned.
Why would we need the teachings of a man that says, "Bring those before me that do not believe I am king and kill them?" The red writing in the Bible has many wonderful teachings also. Who could argue with the Golden Rule? But how can anyone say...This is God's word but only the second half is worth paying attention to. Or, "Just ignore the parts that you do not like but the rest is God's word and if people do not agree with it, they are wrong, therefore they will probably burn in hell."
Jackie Wellman
www.jackiewellman.com
posted by Jackie Wellman @ 5:34 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I agree. I do not connect much with organized religion and I don't see that preventing me from learning how to be a good person.
And what is up with God killing everybody? I don't know all that much about the Bible but I know he can be quite an angry God at times. Those are not the "morals" I wish to pass down when I have children one day.
One writing about Jesus that I did enjoy was "Sermon on the Mount" by Emmet Fox. I don't know if this is considered the norm for Christian writings or not, I don't have much to compare it to.
I stumbled across your blog through a friend. I really appreciate your heart in your writing. If I had a concern it would be that it seems some of your arguments are straw men or too simplistic. You said - "But how can anyone say...This is God's word but...Or, "Just ignore the parts that you do not like but..." I don't know anyone who says that. I think I understand where that idea is coming from, but I know of no one who holds such a view - and certainly Jesus didn't hold that view. Your blog makes me think and feel - thanks.
Tim
Post a Comment
<< Home