[wardaddy]

I'm a Goy (as you know) product of a degree in political theory. My mentor at Ole Miss was Dr. Erwin Neumaier...a conservative (or liberal in a classical sense). We were imprinted by his relentless but now appreciated view that western political philosophy can be categorized into theocentric, anthropocentric, and messianic. The view of messianic I was taught was centered around the creation of a "new man" devoid of the self centered trappings of the "old man" hence Marxism at it's core. You are correct that the "tikkun olam" of christianity is basically what we call the Golden Rule along with some of Christ's more altruistic lessons. The problem is that today, many Christians like Carter have neglected the harder less benign lessons of Judeo-Christianity in favor of the creed of doing good or being "nice" not in order to be G-dlike but to either feel good about oneself or to use this emotion as a political tool.

That's where my problem with do-goodery lies. If it usurps strength of faith and resolution and to a degree the protection of the religion then what good is it? It's cloaked altruism which is at it's core self satisfying. Much like you described...the false G-d: "man's need".

Needless to say, I'm theocentric. I assume you are as well.

Thanks for your thought provoking reply. I had to kick around some dormant grey matter on that one.

In conclusion, this "new man" is a golden calf. My belief is that we are best off to accept the nature of man and submit to G-d's will. Easier said than done...I might add.

Regards

[TopQuark]

Thank you, WarDaddy; I always enjoy reading your posts and learn from them as well.

at Ole Miss was Dr. Erwin Neumaier...a conservative (or liberal in a classical sense).

Are there any works by him that you would recommend, especially on the categorization you mentioned?