Philosophical Differences and the Value of Life
Dear James Fitzpatrick,
I read your “Flip-Flops” article on Catholic Exchange, and it corresponds with something I have observed also. There is a huge philosophical difference that gets hidden behind all those tactical issues like states' rights, presidential power, etc. One of the most basic questions to ask is “why…” For example, we all agree that murder should be illegal, but why? Is it because I want protection from someone murdering me? Or is it because all human life is sacred? The fear of being killed or the conviction that life is sacred are the things that really motivate people to be passionate about politics. People to whom money is the most important thing are passionate about taxes and economic issues. Why would someone be passionate about whether a certain power should be held by the state government or federal government unless it serves a deeper purpose.
That basic philosophical difference shows itself most profoundly in the abortion issue. This issue is so controversial because it hits closest to the core of people's values. If murder should be illegal because life is sacred, than an unborn baby is sacred too. But if murder should be illegal because I'm afraid of being killed, then I should sympathize with people who are afraid of getting pregnant. Here in Idaho, abortion supporters have been trying to focus our attention on “public schools” instead of “life”. But the deeper issue is “Why should we support public schools?” If it is because we want what is best for each child, then we should give parents the freedom to choose a private school even if they can't afford it. However, if money is all that matters, then restricting school choice and pumping more money into public schools is the answer. So even “pro-choice” is not a core value, it's merely a tool that is used for one issue and rejected in the other.
Politicians don't like to talk much about their core values, because they are too controversial. That's why they make their case for “states' rights” and “limiting the power of the Supreme Court” and “eliminating the federal deficit”, and then flip-flop when the opposite issue would serve the core philosophy. That's why as voters, it's so important to make sure someone's passions align with yours, particularly on the value of life; then the other issues will fall into place.
Abraham Alsop
Boise, Idaho
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Dear Catholic Exchange:
Regarding your article “Finders Keepers?” by Tim Staples:
John 10:28-29
“'I give them eternal life. NO ONE can take them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than ALL, and NO ONE can take them out of the Father's hand.'”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the GIFT from GOD; IT IS NOT FROM WORKS, so no one may boast.”
Isaiah 64:6 (64:5 NAB)
“ALL our good deeds are like polluted rags;”
John 3:16
“'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal light.'”
It is foolishness to believe that God's perfect sacrifice does not cover all man's sins. Additionally, how can man in his imperfect ways ever hope to gain salvation through his own deeds when even his best deeds are “like polluted rags?” God is perfect in his faithfullness. Though we may break a promise to Him, his promises are never broken. Man is saved by “grace through faith” alone, nothing more, nothing less.
Signed,
“Crossbearer”
Dear Crossbearer:
If this is so, and since Tim Staples obviously does have faith in Christ, why does it matter what he does or does not write, since Christ's perfect sacrifice covers all his sins. Indeed, why bother at all about what people do or do not do? Once they've made a profession of faith in Christ, they're covered, right?
Or perhaps things aren't as simple as you'd hope. Catholics do not believe grace can be earned by works. They do, however, believe (as St. Paul believed) that those who sow to the Spirit shall reap of the Spirit. For details on this thoroughly biblical teaching, see my article “The Meaning of Merit“.
Blessings,
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
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