Some time ago one of our precious theists told us that we are indebted to the Mosaic Law for a decent, civil society. In response a couple of our brightest atheist informed him that they didn’t need laws for they are good at heart and wouldn’t hurt a flea even if there were no law against such.
Now while I concur completely with the idea that we owe nothing to the Mosaic Law, a Johnny-come-lately up-start as far as civility is concerned, I question the idea that we don’t need any sort of law.
Any individual may not need a law telling them not to kill, steal or destroy, but if there were no laws for anyone, how will we keep others from doing such things to us. Granted, the United States has more laws and more people in some kind of custody than any other nation, so it would seem that the laws don’t keep people from doing anything they want to do. But, and that’s a big BUT, how will we redress actions done against us if there are no laws making those actions a punishable crime? Without laws, people will resort to family feuds and banditry. Am I saying that humans are basically bad? No I think humans are basically good. I think that a system of anarchy could work for a year or two, until somebody decides to get greedy. Until somebody decides that might makes right. Then there will be the domino effect with those who can exacting their own justice and those who can’t either banding together or just being helpless victims.
We see this in the inner city. When the crime rate drops, the politicians start saying oh we don’t need all these police. To save their jobs, the cops start under policing areas, allowing and maybe even encouraging crime to soar. Then the people start begging for Marshall Dillon to come in and shoot first ask questions later.
There have to be laws and there has to be the just application and enforcement of those laws.
Now while I concur completely with the idea that we owe nothing to the Mosaic Law, a Johnny-come-lately up-start as far as civility is concerned, I question the idea that we don’t need any sort of law.
Any individual may not need a law telling them not to kill, steal or destroy, but if there were no laws for anyone, how will we keep others from doing such things to us. Granted, the United States has more laws and more people in some kind of custody than any other nation, so it would seem that the laws don’t keep people from doing anything they want to do. But, and that’s a big BUT, how will we redress actions done against us if there are no laws making those actions a punishable crime? Without laws, people will resort to family feuds and banditry. Am I saying that humans are basically bad? No I think humans are basically good. I think that a system of anarchy could work for a year or two, until somebody decides to get greedy. Until somebody decides that might makes right. Then there will be the domino effect with those who can exacting their own justice and those who can’t either banding together or just being helpless victims.
We see this in the inner city. When the crime rate drops, the politicians start saying oh we don’t need all these police. To save their jobs, the cops start under policing areas, allowing and maybe even encouraging crime to soar. Then the people start begging for Marshall Dillon to come in and shoot first ask questions later.
There have to be laws and there has to be the just application and enforcement of those laws.
The god who allows children to be raped out of respect for the free will choice of the rapist, but punishes gay men for engaging in mutually consensual sex couldn't possibly be responsible for an intelligently designed universe.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
