[Yet_Again]

Adam Smith said that civilized and savage nations are separated by abundance and scantiness.

Unfortunately, this is a false statement. We are a nation blessed with abundance, and yet we have used that abundance to move from the camp of civilization to that of the savage. Saudi Arabia is a nation blessed with tremendous abundance and yet they began as savages and remain savages. The same can be said for the rest of the oil rich Muslim world, and China. Russia, savages under Communism, is slowly returning to its civlized roots. When we say something is "civilized" we are saying in fact that it "has an advanced or humane culture, society, etc." But in fact that definition misses a crucial point: that civilization comes from the Judeo-Christian ethic. If you look around the world at places you wouldn't mind living, this is the philosophical tradition of their societies and their legal system. Human nature is corrupt. Paganism - in all its forms - allows for the full expression of that corruptness. That is what we call savage. There are many on the left today who reject the fundamental importance of Christianity in this world while continuing to enjoy its civilizing benefits. Then, say a liberal Journalist, goes to a place like Egypt to do a story. He or she is beaten to a pulp. Their world view does not allow them to understand what has happened to them because they cannot understand what it is that makes the savage a savage, and what makes the civilized man civilized. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father except through him.

[SkyPilot]

Great post in #5.

[BfloGuy]

Unfortunately, this is a false statement.

You are trying to read way too much into his statement. Smith was talking about the material wealth enjoyed by capitalist nations compared to the grinding poverty of the "savages".

In his time that would have included the North American Indians, most Asians and Africans. Nowhere did he ever imply that wealth automatically brought moral enlightenment.

In fact, if you're that interested in Smith's moral theories, I heartily recommend his "Theory of Moral Sentiments". Here's a link to a free online version to get you started.

I think you'll be surprised.

[ExxonPatrolUs]

Just before Christians were killed in their place of worship in Egypt on New Year’s Day, the Pope praised America for having been a nation that has “transcended individual denominations” with a Constitution based upon on the Judeo-Christian ethic.

He was talking in the past tense.