Law is a very hard subject to clearly define, in a modern context, as man's desire to fulfill his own desires through a set of flawed standards created by the human population ultimately leads to the questions of "what is right?" and "what is moral?"
Although Christians and Muslims base their faith on a theistic worldview, their ideas of law are far from being alike. The Islamic view of law does name Allah as the ultimate lawgiver, and their ultimate goal is to understand and apply the laws (specifically Shari'ah law) to their muslim lifestyle. The Shari'ah law is derived from the Quran and Hadith, the holy books of the muslim faith, and governs the public and private lives of muslims who live in Islamic states. On the contrary, Christians hold by the fact that God reveals his will and himself through divine laws, and also through natural law, when physical and moral laws are revealed in general revelation and built into the structure of the universe. One major difference that sets the Christian and Muslim ideas of law apart is how the law gives freedom to those who follow it. From the Christian perspective, human rights are defined from Biblical principles, and individuals are not retricted from certain freedoms that uphold the integrity of the law. In Islamic states, however, freedom is severely restricted by the law, especially for muslim women and those who are non-muslims.
In addition, Christians know that God has revealed His divine nature through giving us the laws we are to adhere to. By correctly following and upholding the laws he has revealed to us, we are able to know God more, as we can experience His character through what He commands. In contrast, muslims do not believe that an individual is able to know the nature of Allah through the laws (or anywhere else), becuase Allah is "unknowable". This idea is the antithesis of what Christians know to be true, because as God is the ultimate lawmaker, he has shown to us his true nature through the laws he has given, in divine and special revelation.
Also, the way in which law is comprehended varies between both worldviews. The Christian view of law is clear that God alone has specifically told us what is moral and immoral, while the Islamic view of law takes the approach that laws needs to be interpreted in different ways, as laws come from multiple sources. This only causes confusion, because if more than one source is involved, conflicts about the law, and of if something is ethical or not, will most surely arise.
While Christians and muslims do agree about theism, the existance of the supernatural, and moral absolutes, they couldn't differ more when it comes to law. Therefore, it is important to realize that God, the ultimate lawgiver, has established a clear set of laws that not only allow us to glorify His creation as image-bearers, but also to see and know His divine nature through what commandments He has set in place for us to live by.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Second Law Post
Legal standards are and sometimes are not subject to the interpretation of each individual. I do mean to say that both are true (sometimes we ought to follow the law as it is, and sometimes we must NOT follow what the law says) because in our culture there are two types of law. Christians need to approach law through two perspectives: that of the Christian law as presented by God, and that of the governmental law that governs America and our representative democracy. That being said, God's law is superior to the governmental law, and as Christians, we are called to obey God's law and man's law, unless man's law contradicts the will of God.
There are times where the legal standards are not up to the interpretation of each individual. Evidence of this fact can be seen through the righteous laws that God has established to govern the universe, as well as through the laws from the government that resonate with the laws that God has already set in motion. For example, God explicitly tells us not to steal, or murder, and we obey these laws by not emulating this forbidden behavior--we are not at liberty to redefine what "murder" or "stealing" are, and therefore can not reinterpret this clear law. Furthermore, the government has put into place laws that govern our wellbeing as free citizens in a developed nation. An example of this is traffic regulations, such as a stop sign--as law abiding citizens, we are called to stop when we see this sign, in the name of traffic safety. This law also correlates with what God has planned, because He wants us to be led by a government that will uphold standards that will keep us safe. Therefore, not only should we be avid followers of God's perfect law, we also must follow the righteous standards that the government has put into place, that regulate something as important as our safety.
There are also instances where legal standards are up to our interpretation. This instance comes into play when the governmental law conflicts with God's law. We are called to uphold God's law above man's law, and therefore are at liberty to discern if a law man has made goes against something that God has put in place. For instance, if the government passes into law the right to have an abortion (which in many state is the case already), a Christian needs to evaluate this idea, and look at scripture in order to act on it. God has forbidden murder, which is explicitly stated in scripture, and since abortion is murdering a baby, abortion is therefore prohibited in the laws that God has established. Therefore, a Christian has the right to refrain from this behavior, and can determine that it is the wrong thing to do, because God's law is superior to the laws of man.
By interpreting the laws man has given, and weighing them against what God has commanded to see the veracity of each command, a Christian can accurately determine which laws to follow and which to not follow. That being said, God has put leaders in to place to govern our nation, and we are called to respect them and what they have to say. However, we must understand that man's law is flawed and corrupt, while God's law is perfect and will sustain us. Therefore, we must actively pursue and follow what God wants us to do, while also respecting the laws created by society that resonate with God's perfect law. We are not called to be isolated from the world, just because it is corrupt; instead, we should be actively pursuing justice in our society, by following God's law and being a light in a very dark world.
There are times where the legal standards are not up to the interpretation of each individual. Evidence of this fact can be seen through the righteous laws that God has established to govern the universe, as well as through the laws from the government that resonate with the laws that God has already set in motion. For example, God explicitly tells us not to steal, or murder, and we obey these laws by not emulating this forbidden behavior--we are not at liberty to redefine what "murder" or "stealing" are, and therefore can not reinterpret this clear law. Furthermore, the government has put into place laws that govern our wellbeing as free citizens in a developed nation. An example of this is traffic regulations, such as a stop sign--as law abiding citizens, we are called to stop when we see this sign, in the name of traffic safety. This law also correlates with what God has planned, because He wants us to be led by a government that will uphold standards that will keep us safe. Therefore, not only should we be avid followers of God's perfect law, we also must follow the righteous standards that the government has put into place, that regulate something as important as our safety.
There are also instances where legal standards are up to our interpretation. This instance comes into play when the governmental law conflicts with God's law. We are called to uphold God's law above man's law, and therefore are at liberty to discern if a law man has made goes against something that God has put in place. For instance, if the government passes into law the right to have an abortion (which in many state is the case already), a Christian needs to evaluate this idea, and look at scripture in order to act on it. God has forbidden murder, which is explicitly stated in scripture, and since abortion is murdering a baby, abortion is therefore prohibited in the laws that God has established. Therefore, a Christian has the right to refrain from this behavior, and can determine that it is the wrong thing to do, because God's law is superior to the laws of man.
By interpreting the laws man has given, and weighing them against what God has commanded to see the veracity of each command, a Christian can accurately determine which laws to follow and which to not follow. That being said, God has put leaders in to place to govern our nation, and we are called to respect them and what they have to say. However, we must understand that man's law is flawed and corrupt, while God's law is perfect and will sustain us. Therefore, we must actively pursue and follow what God wants us to do, while also respecting the laws created by society that resonate with God's perfect law. We are not called to be isolated from the world, just because it is corrupt; instead, we should be actively pursuing justice in our society, by following God's law and being a light in a very dark world.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Law
Sarah is a secular humanist, and therefore believes in the idea of "positive law", where society devises the laws that are needed to govern the people; these same people who make up the society make the laws. Therefore, secular humanists rely on man to formulate necessary laws. Because secular humanists also hold to the idea of evolution, this idea has made its way into lawmaking as well. Instead of one set of rules that apply to everyone at any time, law follows an evolution, and can change with the time- it does not allow for absolutes. Therefore, secular humanist reject the Christian view of divine law- that God is the source of conventional lawmaking, ever since he established the first set of laws for man to live by, in the garden of Eden. Both the divine law, as revealed by God in the Bible, and the natural law, as revealed in God's creation, which reflects a moral order is clear evidence that laws are stable and absolute, not a changing, evolving system.
Governments should not be the ultimate authority for creating laws, though they are entitled to enforce the laws. With the natural law from creation and the divine law from God set in stone, we have a system of absolute moral codes already set in place. God has given us these laws that He has created, ever since the first action and consequence (law in action!) that occurred in the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, which was against the law, they were banished from the garden, as a consequence. This same pattern of action and consequence is still in place today-- if someone commits a felony, they must go to jail. Humans are flawed by sin, and therefore lack the good judgement and clarity necessary to create a system of laws that would function in society. A set of corrupt laws, enforced and carried out by sinful men will only lead to chaos!
Therefore, God has already given us the necessary laws that mirror his righteous, moral nature-- we must choose to follow them. While sometimes these laws may seem unfair, they give us a glimpse into God's character, and reflect his just ways. We must, with this knowledge that God is the ultimate law giver, be on our guard to discern what laws that our leaders propose are morally good, and what laws fall short of God intention. We are called to respect the leaders that God has put into place to enforce His laws, but we must realize that first we answer to God, and His law is the absolute authority.
Governments should not be the ultimate authority for creating laws, though they are entitled to enforce the laws. With the natural law from creation and the divine law from God set in stone, we have a system of absolute moral codes already set in place. God has given us these laws that He has created, ever since the first action and consequence (law in action!) that occurred in the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, which was against the law, they were banished from the garden, as a consequence. This same pattern of action and consequence is still in place today-- if someone commits a felony, they must go to jail. Humans are flawed by sin, and therefore lack the good judgement and clarity necessary to create a system of laws that would function in society. A set of corrupt laws, enforced and carried out by sinful men will only lead to chaos!
Therefore, God has already given us the necessary laws that mirror his righteous, moral nature-- we must choose to follow them. While sometimes these laws may seem unfair, they give us a glimpse into God's character, and reflect his just ways. We must, with this knowledge that God is the ultimate law giver, be on our guard to discern what laws that our leaders propose are morally good, and what laws fall short of God intention. We are called to respect the leaders that God has put into place to enforce His laws, but we must realize that first we answer to God, and His law is the absolute authority.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Feminism (Question Two)
Christians have a very distinct view on how "feminity" should be defined, and how it should be manifest in today's culture, as provided in the Bible. With this knowledge, Christians should be equipt with the right mindset when looking at feminism, so that they can respond in the right way. From the very beginning, God established gender differences in Genesis, when He commands man and woman to "Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves along the ground" (1:28, NIV). Also, in creating the "helper" for Adam, God set the distinuishing factors between both sexes. With htis celar commission, and in making woman (Eve) assume the necessary helper role, God does not exhibit a "sexist" viewpoint, but rather highlights the God-given role that is a gift to women.
God designed woman to be a completer, a helper, a rescuer and a warrior, and He is clear about women (and men), fulfilling their individual duties. Due to the fact that women are made especially to fit into these roles, it makes sense to say that a woman who ignores her given purpose, (and tries to find fulfillment in, for example, trying to take on man's responsibility as head of the household) will never find success; she will only be happiest in doing what she was designed to do.
This controversy about "women's rights" stems from the desire of women to be in control (effectively taking away the man's job as the little king), and has greatly influenced the feminist movement that is rapidly growing in our society. Our secular culture tries to speak to the fact that women don't have enough "rights", and should be able to do what men do. Furthermore, they say that anyone who does not agree is being demeaning to the female sex. While it is true that women, or anyone for that matter, should never be subject to unfair treatment, society (and feminists) have missed the point. Upon hearing the Biblical argument that sexes were created for different purposes, a feminist would likely say that we are being unreasonable; that men and women should be "equal". In promoting "equality", the culture does not realize that male and female can never be the same, and that fulfillment can only be acheived in performing the tasks that we, as male or female, were meant to do.
The Bible has such a logical argument that addresses the "feminist" question, that Christians should be prepared to explain why these roles are the answer to living as God designed us to live. As Christians, we need to explain that God does not intend for man to have a "higher" role that makes women "inferior". Instead, He has made it possible for each sex to have differing responsibilities that contribute to the whole of society. The idea of feminity in the Bible is positive, through and through. Our message to our culture should be clear: If we fulfill the God-given roles and tasks (for both males and females), we have the opportunity to glorify God, who designed us in this unique way. Moreover, if we rejoyce in what God has given us to do, and if we embrace our gender role, we will find meaning and purpose in our lives.
This is not about degrading people, or trying to replace what we were called to do with something else. To live in our culture, and to succeed in it, we must pursue what God has designed us to do, as through him, we have the potential to do anything.
God designed woman to be a completer, a helper, a rescuer and a warrior, and He is clear about women (and men), fulfilling their individual duties. Due to the fact that women are made especially to fit into these roles, it makes sense to say that a woman who ignores her given purpose, (and tries to find fulfillment in, for example, trying to take on man's responsibility as head of the household) will never find success; she will only be happiest in doing what she was designed to do.
This controversy about "women's rights" stems from the desire of women to be in control (effectively taking away the man's job as the little king), and has greatly influenced the feminist movement that is rapidly growing in our society. Our secular culture tries to speak to the fact that women don't have enough "rights", and should be able to do what men do. Furthermore, they say that anyone who does not agree is being demeaning to the female sex. While it is true that women, or anyone for that matter, should never be subject to unfair treatment, society (and feminists) have missed the point. Upon hearing the Biblical argument that sexes were created for different purposes, a feminist would likely say that we are being unreasonable; that men and women should be "equal". In promoting "equality", the culture does not realize that male and female can never be the same, and that fulfillment can only be acheived in performing the tasks that we, as male or female, were meant to do.
The Bible has such a logical argument that addresses the "feminist" question, that Christians should be prepared to explain why these roles are the answer to living as God designed us to live. As Christians, we need to explain that God does not intend for man to have a "higher" role that makes women "inferior". Instead, He has made it possible for each sex to have differing responsibilities that contribute to the whole of society. The idea of feminity in the Bible is positive, through and through. Our message to our culture should be clear: If we fulfill the God-given roles and tasks (for both males and females), we have the opportunity to glorify God, who designed us in this unique way. Moreover, if we rejoyce in what God has given us to do, and if we embrace our gender role, we will find meaning and purpose in our lives.
This is not about degrading people, or trying to replace what we were called to do with something else. To live in our culture, and to succeed in it, we must pursue what God has designed us to do, as through him, we have the potential to do anything.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sexist? Homophobic?
In today's society, the roles of gender and of relationships are driven by the idea that personal satisfaction is what will determine happiness. While many people choose to live this way, and accept as their own what society views as "acceptable", the Bible has a clear, logical view as to how the institution of gender and marriage should be looked at. It is important to see that these Biblical views do not propose the truth in a way that is "sexist" or "homophobic"; instead Christians look to the idea of how God has made humanity and how he desires us to interact, to discern the truth.
The Bible does not present the roles of men and women with a sexist point of view. When God creates man, as presented in Genesis 2:7, he subsequently makes a "helper suitable for him"-woman- in Genesis 2:18. It is important to realize that God makes woman out of man, and thus distinguishes his purpose and plan for each sex. Although both male and female are called to the same task on the earth- to be fruitful, increase, fill and subdue, as in Genesis 1:28, both male and female are ordained for specific roles in God's kingdom. Man is responsible for his family; he is the "little king", and is called to remember the history of God and his people, to pass on to other generations. In contrast, woman completes man by being a rescuer and a warrior. Many times it seems as if these roles are "confused"- for example, the woman feels like she must be the "little king"- but it will not bring her satisfaction, as man was called to fulfil that role! This is not a sexist concept- it only proves that God has set aside certain tasks to fulfill, and he will never be satisfied unless we complete our role as males or females.
One other concept is the controversy regarding the homosexual population, which has become an epidemic in our society. God has clearly ordained the institution of marriage, between male and female, as he created them to complete eachother. This is what the Bible tells us- it does not say we should be homophobes who need to shun all who live by the gay lifestyle. Instead, we need to realize taht these people are made and loved by God. We need to reach out and assist them in seeing the error of their ways, so that they may see how to life in God's purpose. Society has brainwashed us into thinking that any sexual orientation is okay, and that all relationships are equal. With all of these lies, it is hard to sort out what is true and what is false, especially for people who are such a part of the secular culture.
We need to take a stand against societal injustice. By recognizing that God has clear plans for men and women, and that we are created to complete eachother in marriage, we can see the truth and ignore the false information that society feeds us.
The Bible does not present the roles of men and women with a sexist point of view. When God creates man, as presented in Genesis 2:7, he subsequently makes a "helper suitable for him"-woman- in Genesis 2:18. It is important to realize that God makes woman out of man, and thus distinguishes his purpose and plan for each sex. Although both male and female are called to the same task on the earth- to be fruitful, increase, fill and subdue, as in Genesis 1:28, both male and female are ordained for specific roles in God's kingdom. Man is responsible for his family; he is the "little king", and is called to remember the history of God and his people, to pass on to other generations. In contrast, woman completes man by being a rescuer and a warrior. Many times it seems as if these roles are "confused"- for example, the woman feels like she must be the "little king"- but it will not bring her satisfaction, as man was called to fulfil that role! This is not a sexist concept- it only proves that God has set aside certain tasks to fulfill, and he will never be satisfied unless we complete our role as males or females.
One other concept is the controversy regarding the homosexual population, which has become an epidemic in our society. God has clearly ordained the institution of marriage, between male and female, as he created them to complete eachother. This is what the Bible tells us- it does not say we should be homophobes who need to shun all who live by the gay lifestyle. Instead, we need to realize taht these people are made and loved by God. We need to reach out and assist them in seeing the error of their ways, so that they may see how to life in God's purpose. Society has brainwashed us into thinking that any sexual orientation is okay, and that all relationships are equal. With all of these lies, it is hard to sort out what is true and what is false, especially for people who are such a part of the secular culture.
We need to take a stand against societal injustice. By recognizing that God has clear plans for men and women, and that we are created to complete eachother in marriage, we can see the truth and ignore the false information that society feeds us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)