Faith and Politics

[Peter Debelak]

Originally Posted by Igzy

.....In fact, if you don't go back to God eventually, then all convictions are just opinions. Why should we help the poor, really? You can make arguments that it's in the best interests of everyone. But the fact is the power of the idea is that it is about compassion. Now, why should we be compassionate? Why not just look out for number one? Who says we should help others? What's the source of that idea? ....

..... There are no "human" matters that do not eventually resolve to him. So why pretend there are, except, ironically, for political gain?

You and I agree on this as a GENERAL truth, that all human truth eventually resolves ti God. But when it comes down to specific situations, there is an INDETERMINACY problem as to to what "truth" is God's and what is just opinion. You are exactly right that if we take reference to God out of it we are left with just "opinions." But THAT is honesty. Unless you actually think you CAN know God's will for what laws a human government should have.

But recognizing the REALITY that we're just exchanging reasoned opinions, it gives us pause. We're more willing to listen to one another. The fellow who uses "God says so" as one of his premises is less likely to allow mutuality in debate.