It should also be noted that I think you misunderstood my comment about individuals and interpreted it to say that I think man should be alone or not part of a group. I meant no such thing. I will be happy to admit that I'm not the the most clear communicator.
My point is simply that man does not get judged (by God) by the behavior of some country he is in or group he is labled as part of. His relationship with the lord is defined by how he relates to him. That relationship will be judged as genuine by how he treats his fellow man. According to God's plan as revealed to us by Christ and the scriptures.
He allowed us free will and yet we somehow feel that we shouldn't allow each other the same even though he has given us his example.
You and I speak of a different kind of freedom. I refer to what I believe God meant for us to have in our relationships with other humans, you speak of a subserviance to God. They are both valid, but different.
Regards
Well, I cetainly can't dispute that. I'ver never had an original philosophical insight in my life! That's why I'm glad God sent Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle et al to do the mental heavy lifting. "I am but an egg."
I'm glad to see you so conversant in the science of philosophy, it is a feather in your cap.
Ha! If only you knew! I'm glad my lack of education doesn't show!
It doesn't however trump my points as I could certainly find so many others throughout history to back my views and we could get into a "dueling philosophers" battle. I have no inclination for that.
Fair enough, but please keep in mind that in an argument any evidence trumps no evidence. The only way I know how to have a reasoned debate on the issues is to make claims and try to support them by citing evidence.
It should also be noted that I think you misunderstood my comment about individuals and interpreted it to say that I think man should be alone or not part of a group. I meant no such thing. I will be happy to admit that I'm not the the most clear communicator.
If I misuderstood you, I apologize.
My point is simply that man does not get judged (by God) by the behavior of some country he is in or group he is labled as part of. His relationship with the lord is defined by how he relates to him. That relationship will be judged as genuine by how he treats his fellow man. According to God's plan as revealed to us by Christ and the scriptures. He allowed us free will and yet we somehow feel that we shouldn't allow each other the same even though he has given us his example. You and I speak of a different kind of freedom. I refer to what I believe God meant for us to have in our relationships with other humans, you speak of a subserviance to God. They are both valid, but different.
I disagree. I don't think it's possible to separate our duty toward God from our duty towards each other.
"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'" [St. Matthew 25:31-40 RSV]
I believe that a free-market economy is the most efficient form of economy, but efficency is not the sine qua non of a moral society; concern for human beings is. An economy that sacrifices the dignity of human beings ton the altar of Mammon may perhaps be economically free, but it cannot be Christian. (Please note: I said nothing about the government handing out checks here.)
And, likewise, I think that a society with an unregulated press, open government, and as few regulations as possible is the most free society possible -- but freedom is not the sine qua non of a moral society; obedience to God and conformity to His natural law is. A political system that sacrifices the dignity of human beings on the altar of the goddess of Liberty may perhaps be politically free, but it can never be Christian. (Please note: I said nothing about the government forcing people to go to church here.)
In the end, I do not wish to live in a free society; I wish to live in a Christian society. In that desire I differ from most of my fellow Americans, my fellow Freepers, and from you -- and that39;s okay by me.
Thanks again for your thoughtful post.