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I found it interesting that our (US) constitution is based upon the laws of Noah. (the Noahide laws) (or Noachide)
The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Noahide Laws in legislation which was passed by both houses. Congress and the President of the United States, George Bush, indicated in Public Law 102-14, 102nd Congress, that the United States of America was founded upon the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, and that these Laws have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization. They also acknowledged that the Seven Laws of Noah are the foundation upon which civilization stands and that recent weakening of these principles threaten the fabric of civilized society, and that justified preoccupation in educating the Citizens of the United States of America and future generations is needed. For this purpose, this Public Law designated March 26, 1991 as Education Day, U.S.A.
Since the time of Noah there are seven laws non-Jews were required to keep after becoming a worshiper of the God of Abraham. Keeping the Noahide laws did not save you -- even the Jews know that keeping the law does not save. Only the Messiah can save. These laws are simply instructions for our own good. The word law means instruction. The Noahide Laws based on Genesis nine are:
To behave justly in all relationships, and to establish courts of justice.
To refrain from blaspheming Gods name.
To refrain from practicing idolatry.
To avoid immoral practices, specifically incest and adultery.
To avoid shedding the blood of ones fellow man.
To refrain from robbing ones fellow man.
To refrain from eating a limb torn from a live animal.
(I think this was an article by Robert Clanton).
The word "avoid" is interesting here. I also think that the law has a set of type and a set of "beliefs". That is to say that if we put more emphasis on the word of the law, rather than the spirit of the law, then we really do not know the law. Since we do not debate upon religion here then this may lead to shaky ground. I merely wish to point out that old laws change with society and that society's concepts. Laws are based upon the idea that Man and his dealings should conduct himself and his business ethically, and with a thought to his fellow man.
Therefore, it is possible that each generation will form new concepts of old doctrines. It is part of the growth of both society and moral behaviors and attitudes. Thank goodness, because if it were not so, we would not develop.
For instance, one old book states that we may stone a person. That same book states that you may sell a relative into servitude. Laws, morals and attitudes grow with each new generation. Each branch or doctrine will develop differently, phrase and rephrase laws, doctrine and dogma.
Now, the question of death penalty - that can only be an individuals choice. I do not believe in it. Yes, I have had family members murdered. I have been the victim of intense violence. The death penalty does not provide comfort or closure. It creates more widows, orphans and victims. No, I am not a bleeding heart. I relish the idea of child predators being served up to lions Roman style. (poor lions) There are certain crimes that seem to demand "justice" by death. An earlier reference to Manson comes to mind.
The wait for these offenders to meet their fate is years or even decades. This is to be sure that all research has been done, I would assume. Even after the long wait, the excecution is not quickly done. Very few victims report solace after the excecution.
Then there are the ethical arguments of age, race, sex, mental ability and sexual orientation. Children, mental illness such as retardation - what consideration here? When a child of the older teens commits something so hideous or heinous? Does any "sane" person kill?
I cannot decide for others, but my opionion is that "an eye for an eye leaves both blind".
Hold on, let me get my flame resistant cape of invisibility on .... ok... now... start typing!
The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Noahide Laws in legislation which was passed by both houses. Congress and the President of the United States, George Bush, indicated in Public Law 102-14, 102nd Congress, that the United States of America was founded upon the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, and that these Laws have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization. They also acknowledged that the Seven Laws of Noah are the foundation upon which civilization stands and that recent weakening of these principles threaten the fabric of civilized society, and that justified preoccupation in educating the Citizens of the United States of America and future generations is needed. For this purpose, this Public Law designated March 26, 1991 as Education Day, U.S.A.
Since the time of Noah there are seven laws non-Jews were required to keep after becoming a worshiper of the God of Abraham. Keeping the Noahide laws did not save you -- even the Jews know that keeping the law does not save. Only the Messiah can save. These laws are simply instructions for our own good. The word law means instruction. The Noahide Laws based on Genesis nine are:
To behave justly in all relationships, and to establish courts of justice.
To refrain from blaspheming Gods name.
To refrain from practicing idolatry.
To avoid immoral practices, specifically incest and adultery.
To avoid shedding the blood of ones fellow man.
To refrain from robbing ones fellow man.
To refrain from eating a limb torn from a live animal.
(I think this was an article by Robert Clanton).
The word "avoid" is interesting here. I also think that the law has a set of type and a set of "beliefs". That is to say that if we put more emphasis on the word of the law, rather than the spirit of the law, then we really do not know the law. Since we do not debate upon religion here then this may lead to shaky ground. I merely wish to point out that old laws change with society and that society's concepts. Laws are based upon the idea that Man and his dealings should conduct himself and his business ethically, and with a thought to his fellow man.
Therefore, it is possible that each generation will form new concepts of old doctrines. It is part of the growth of both society and moral behaviors and attitudes. Thank goodness, because if it were not so, we would not develop.
For instance, one old book states that we may stone a person. That same book states that you may sell a relative into servitude. Laws, morals and attitudes grow with each new generation. Each branch or doctrine will develop differently, phrase and rephrase laws, doctrine and dogma.
Now, the question of death penalty - that can only be an individuals choice. I do not believe in it. Yes, I have had family members murdered. I have been the victim of intense violence. The death penalty does not provide comfort or closure. It creates more widows, orphans and victims. No, I am not a bleeding heart. I relish the idea of child predators being served up to lions Roman style. (poor lions) There are certain crimes that seem to demand "justice" by death. An earlier reference to Manson comes to mind.
The wait for these offenders to meet their fate is years or even decades. This is to be sure that all research has been done, I would assume. Even after the long wait, the excecution is not quickly done. Very few victims report solace after the excecution.
Then there are the ethical arguments of age, race, sex, mental ability and sexual orientation. Children, mental illness such as retardation - what consideration here? When a child of the older teens commits something so hideous or heinous? Does any "sane" person kill?
I cannot decide for others, but my opionion is that "an eye for an eye leaves both blind".
Hold on, let me get my flame resistant cape of invisibility on .... ok... now... start typing!
