I am not a theologian. I don’t pretend to be one. I do however read and I have some questions for those who know more.
I respect all people for their right to believe however they wish. From what I’ve read (there was a section at the end of the Old Farmers’ Almanac several years ago) that all major religions believe “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” There was a slightly different phraseology but about a dozen religions were cited.
Now, what confuses me is why so many “Christians” insist on the quoting of only the Ten Commandments (aren’t they from the Old Testament?) and some Psalms (same?) rather than quoting from the New Testament. It’s admirable to advocate “not killing or stealing” but if they are insistent about quoting from their Bible what about encouraging compassion or forgiveness such as from The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) or the Good Samaritan (Luke 10, 25-37)?
And one might think that it’s only the Judeo-Christians who developed the fine qualities. This land was here long before “1492” with fully functioning communities for centuries. They cared for their elders and weak. They regularly practiced gratitude such as: with the daily arrival of the sun, the blessing of the rain, the use of all parts of any animal they killed (no waste.)
I do advocate the separation of Church and State. Whether you label things as “Christian” or just a viable method of living in a community: kindness, sharing, compassion, forgiveness or gratitude, they are necessary. Aren’t they those same qualities that are taught to our children without the label of religion during their formative years to help them turn into responsible community members?
It is quite remarkable therefore that one group, some “Christians” in particular, lay claim to these positive qualities as if they had invented them. Is it necessary to put the name of one religion on qualities that can benefit the entire community and help it develop into an admirable and functioning group?
Marie Van Valkenburgh
Delhi
