while i'm usually on the opposite side of this issue from most of my friends and family, i can now say that i'm on the same side as Washington, Jefferson and Adams...i agree with the 3 statements from them above. "Christian ideal form of government" ???? This shows a lack of understanding in regards to Christianity and government. However despite the vague comments of a treaty ( the treaty of course is not meant to express national values, but to be conciliatory ), there are hundreds to the contrary. All you have to do is read the letters of the founding fathers, Washington's farewell address, The Declaration of Independence, and The Federalist Papers. However, if Christian values is what is meant, then the obvious experiment of free will and the expression that all men are CREATED equal is quite Christian. This does not say all Americans, it says "all men" meaning all pe... Given that both the Old & New Testaments endorse slavery, it is difficult for me to accept the notion that Christianity has a monopoly on the ideals of equality. an acknowledgement of slavery and a position of meekness is not an endorsement. There is this little thing called the golden rule. The jews themselves were slaves. In fact in the context of American history, it is a quite providential thing our nation was tested on the evils of slavery. We either believe all men to be created equal or we do not. America paid for this sin in blood as it should have. Interesting fact: the bloodiest battle of the Civil War at Antietem (sp) occured the same day historically as the delegates to form the constitution arrived about 80 years earlier. So yes, based in Christianity, but disgraced by mankind the ideals of equality are inherent in Christianity. In fact, in Christianity only. a link for you http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=5 on the Treaty of Tripoli by David Barton I would clip it but it's the kind of thing that taking things out of text fuesl spats ... I make a general partial clip good info 123... thanks. Given that both the Old & New Testaments endorse slavery,The OT requires that all slaves be freed every seventh year, and that the land be allowed to lie fallow every seventh year as well. The NT book of Philemon is a letter to a slave owner concerning an escaped slave. The slave owner is exhorted to treat the returning slave in a decent manner. This is Biblical slavery, not the ghastly stuff we see in American history. The Bible only allows slavery to go so far; slave owners are still under certain moral restrictions concerning their treatment of their slaves. Biblical slavery is a much different thing than the vile American sort. Say what? Slavery is slavery, I mean if it where so peachy, why did the Jews leave Egypt? The fact that someone claims ownership over another human being is what is essentially wrong with slavery, the whips, chains and other tortures are merely used to enforce that control. Oh Lord, protect me from your followers! I never said slavery was peachy. God never condoned slavery, just as He never condoned divorce. At least He put some limits on the practice, which is better than most cultures have done, and which is my point. Is that such an unreasonable position? I marvel at the rabid obsession that drives people to stab at God whenever they can. Have you become more righteous than God, that you can say with authority what is and isn't "essentially wrong"? I am not judging God, I am judging your statement, which is different (unless your God in electronic disguise, talk about Deux Machina!). Simply put there is no "better", because there is no justification for slavery, no nicenesses about it, etc. The writers of the text condone slavery by putting limits to the practice. If they thought it was unacceptable they would have said so (they pretty good at doing that). Given that both the Old & New Testaments endorse slavery, it is difficult for me to accept the notion that Christianity has a monopoly on the ideals of equality.Thank you. |
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