In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Monday, March 10, 2014
A Touch of Humor - Equal Time
What are the legitimate demands for equality? How do we recognize them?
In the context of Civil Right demands for equality seem valid. In other contexts (like the distribution of wealth) the demand for equality "may" not be as valid.
I agree, I also think it can depend on what you mean by equality. Some inequalities seem clearly wrong and oppressive. But there are some ideas of equality that seem very artificial.
There are some things like the old "separate but equal" principle, that were demeaning and oppressive.
But one of the most most basic thing about human beings is their uniqueness. When you try to push everyone into same mold you can run into problems and become silly. For instance quotas that prevent orientals from getting into advanced programs at higher levels than their proportion in the population.
Great points about quotas. I think that perhaps they once had a role but, like so many other things, they get weird when they become a part of the established culture because they strip all of the humanity from them. The letter kills but the Spirit gives life.
The founders vision of "All men are endowed by their Creator with unalienable reights" was a good idea even though many of them (like Jefferson) owned slaves. I think that one day their vision will come to fruition not because of our willingness to see others as equal but because others will demand that we see them that way.
I think one key aspect of this is seeing equality as basically an equality of value. All human beings are valuable because they are made in the image of God even though they are not always alike.
I believe God's ideal is an equality of value among people who are different. Sometimes it is difficult to decide when distinction implies inequality. But I think to see people as carbon-copies is wrong.
Guess it depends on the context.
ReplyDeleteWhat kinds of contexts do you have in mind?
DeleteIn the context of Civil Right demands for equality seem valid. In other contexts (like the distribution of wealth) the demand for equality "may" not be as valid.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I also think it can depend on what you mean by equality. Some inequalities seem clearly wrong and oppressive. But there are some ideas of equality that seem very artificial.
ReplyDeleteCare to elaborate?
DeleteThere are some things like the old "separate but equal" principle, that were demeaning and oppressive.
DeleteBut one of the most most basic thing about human beings is their uniqueness. When you try to push everyone into same mold you can run into problems and become silly. For instance quotas that prevent orientals from getting into advanced programs at higher levels than their proportion in the population.
Great points about quotas. I think that perhaps they once had a role but, like so many other things, they get weird when they become a part of the established culture because they strip all of the humanity from them. The letter kills but the Spirit gives life.
ReplyDeleteThe founders vision of "All men are endowed by their Creator with unalienable reights" was a good idea even though many of them (like Jefferson) owned slaves. I think that one day their vision will come to fruition not because of our willingness to see others as equal but because others will demand that we see them that way.
I think one key aspect of this is seeing equality as basically an equality of value. All human beings are valuable because they are made in the image of God even though they are not always alike.
DeleteI believe God's ideal is an equality of value among people who are different. Sometimes it is difficult to decide when distinction implies inequality. But I think to see people as carbon-copies is wrong.