When a person says that they are working to preserve the "sanctity of human life," what gives them the authority to do so?
Moreover, since when has human life been elevated to the stature of that level of holiness (Warning - R rating on the link - not suitable for young children)?
Friday, May 06, 2005
Sanctity
I have posted a simliar thought a while back but got to thinking on the subject one more time as I heard someone on NPR this AM talking, yet again, about the "sanctity of human life." Two Questions:
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2 comments:
Turn that rock over
If one waited for authority to do anything, nothing would ever get done.
Planning for the fascist collective
Fascism elevates the state above the individual. Control the state and you control everyone.
The NPR story was about so-called Christian Law Schools. Their students are destined for disappointment. The law does not deal with profound causes, the meat and potatoes of religion. Court is not about justice, it's about a reading of the law. That's why sensible people don't go to court, they settle. 90 percent of disputes are settled.
Democracy is about getting along with people with whom you disagree. No one is forcing women to have abortions. But there are people who would force women not to have abortions. To the extent that people are coerced in private behavior whose consequences are entirely or almost entirely their own, fascism rules.
The question of the value of human life opens up all those philosohical questions we have debated in classrooms, dorm rooms, and hallways. But I say, who needs authority? In fact, who has that authority to give?
I know, some will say, "God," which takes us right back to philosophy class...
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