May quotes

[kandrathe]

5/5/2008

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 1 Peter 2:1

Of course, context within the letter is important. That sentence is the "what" conclusion, but the prior ones supply the "why"? It is also an important reference to the Christian notions of supplication to earthly authorities. The moral ethic of being above reproach in the eyes of the law imparts to those who follow it an equality with the non-Christians. It was far too easy for the Romans to squelch dissent by killing or locking them up. It is still a good notion for anyone who seeks to be a leader (or revolutionary leader), that one should be beyond reproach.

I think also Romans 12:14-18 offers up this moral attitude a nut shell, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

I see this as the call for humanity to look for empathy in all actions, and to be constantly willing to forgive injustices that other people perpetrate on you. So in other words, life often sucks, so try not to be the one who causes the suckiness, and understand the motives (however puerile) of those who do.