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To: Protagoras
a true moral foundation:

According to who?

Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XXIII, 1, 3, 4>

As a Presbyterian, I understand that the confession is interpretations by humans about what THEY think God commands.

Well then, let me quote a higher authority:

Romans 13

 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This is a description of what constitutes proper governmental authority and function. There's definitly some "rights" and "wrongs", i.e., "morality" in there, it seems to me.

Cordially,

166 posted on 05/18/2006 12:03:48 PM PDT by Diamond
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To: Diamond
I'm sure you are aware that many people from different traditions interpret this passage as well as all the scriptures in different ways.

But the debate isn't about the interpretation, it's whether we should welcome laws based upon the different interpretations of different morals by different people.

I'll ask again, do you think the ten commandments should be enforced by government?

167 posted on 05/18/2006 12:09:01 PM PDT by Protagoras ("A real decision is measured by the fact that you have taken a new action"... Tony Robbins)
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To: Diamond
"--- Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. ----"

This is a description of what constitutes proper governmental authority and function. There's definitly some "rights" and "wrongs", i.e., "morality" in there, it seems to me.

God help us all if a majority sees that as "a description of what constitutes proper governmental authority and function"; -- and acts to 'incorporate' it into our Constitution.

Cordially,

168 posted on 05/18/2006 12:18:50 PM PDT by tpaine
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