Christianity’s Narrow Moral View
The suggestion in this case is that Christian morality focuses primarily
on matters of sexual behavior. To read
the article referenced below in the background section leaves one with the
sense that the writer is once again grasping at straws.
The notion that “…everything not prohibited is permitted…” is a construct
that has no general historical foundation.
Well that is unless a person picks and chooses historical events that
may not even represent true Christianity in order to make his case. Such is the case here.
Morals versus Ethics
In considering the question one must begin with the difference between
morals and ethics. Morals come from the
word mores or that which the majority of a culture or sub-culture
believes. On the other hand ethics is
more universal and objective. Christians
as well as others believe such to be transcendent. To read a treatment of the subject see a
brief treatment posted at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2011/08/ethics-vs-morals.html. At that posting there are references to other
postings on the subject.
Wild Accusations Against Christians
Wild accusations against Christianity often flow without
documentation. While it may be true that
certain clergy may have endorsed slave trade, such accusations must be
supported with documentation or they quickly become irrelevant. What is more, it also must be remembered that
it was the Christian Church in general and individual Christians such as
William Wilberforce who stood against the culture and was instrumental in the
abolition of slavery.
Christians Ignoring Evils—Oh
Really?
Slavery is but one of the evils that the Christian Church has stood
against. Therefore, to lay the claim
that Christians ignore the very real evils plaguing society is something of a
conflicting statement. It conflicts with
the truth and it conflicts with logic.
The Basis
for Evil
Just how is it one can make the determination that something is
evil?
Logically, there can be no evil without there being a standard by which to
make such a judgment. (See argument in posting at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/10/are-there-universal-concepts.html). Again,
the question arises as to the origin of that standard by which something can be
valued as evil.
The common answer is that such standards came as culture evolved such
values. However, what cannot be answered
is why there are common values in cultures that are separated and have no
relationship. An example is the
preoccupation with life, even in the most egregious kinds of activities (infant
sacrifice) such were done based upon the premise that pleasing the god would
grant a good harvest and such was necessary for life.
In other words such actions as unconscionable as they were—were based
upon the notion of the greater good.
That is another universal concept which incidentally is out of step with
the “survival of the fittest” notion of evolutionary theory.
The Good
and Evil Judgment
Why then are such things as “…poverty; homelessness;
hunger; militarism; a grossly unfair distribution of wealth and income;
ecological despoliation exacerbated by corporate greed; overpopulation; sexism;
racism; homophobia; freedom-denying, invasive drug laws; an inadequate
educational system…” judged to be wrong?
By what standard does one decide these things are good or evil? Again, one must consider the origin of that
standard?
The
Question of Responsibility
Arising now is the question of responsibility. While the Christian church is to be the voice
of reason and ethical restraint, there are some matters that belong to
government.
For example in the foregoing list, “…militarism; ecological
despoliation exacerbated by corporate greed; freedom-denying, invasive drug
laws; an inadequate educational system…” are all issues that fall into the purview of the government. How is it that any logical thinking person
would postulate otherwise?
You
Really Want Intrusion?
The same voices that scream bloody
murder when the church supposedly intrudes into one’s person life now are
equally verbal in asking why the Christian Church is not involved (see previous
post at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/12/christianity-does-it-produce-sexual.html).
One cannot have it both ways.
Either one accepts the involvement of the church or doesn’t accept it. Such again points to the unfair and illogical
thinking on the part of those who cynically disparage the Christian church.
Secular
Champions
It seems then that those with secular agenda want the church to champion
their secular causes. However, again
it is illogical for the church when it is mobilized brings with it ethical
reality and such reality is not comfortable to the secularist.
In other words, if you want Christians involved then fine but when such
involvement does not fit the secular agenda then be quiet!
Put up or Shut up
Consider then the other social problems listed. “…poverty; homelessness;
hunger; overpopulation; sexism; racism; homophobia….” Where
are the atheistic groups? Have they
opened soup kitchens, rescue missions, etc.?
What hospital have they opened?
Christians have the YMCA, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, AA, and
many more helping agencies that have their beginnings because of Christian
faith.
In fact if you look at
the Christian church you will find that against the mores of Rome they elevated
the status of women, giving the leadership in the fledgling church and stood
against racism. As well, the charge of
homophobia is the statement of bias by the writer (see below for source). The truth is that most churches are well able
to accept all kinds of people while not endorsing or even agreeing with their
life-style and sexual choices.
So then before an
avowed anarchist atheist gets too wild in his claims where is the Young Men’s Atheist
Association, the Atheist Army, the Red Anarchist, Alcoholics Atheism Anonymous,
etc.? Oh and one more question. Would you welcome a conservative Bible
believing Christian in your group? I
thought not!
Background
To see the list of
subjects to be discussed in this series see my blog (Christianity – Is it a
Faith Driven by Fear?). Contained within that blog is a reference, 20
Reasons to Abandon Christianity and in that reference is a list which is
the springboard from which this subject has been discussed.
No comments:
Post a Comment