Behind the impasse in Washington over debt and deficits lies a moral, even religious,

Chloe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

John Adams once wrote: "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Alexis de tocquville wrote in Democracy in America that if one is to be dogmatic, he should be so in religion rather than politics, because compromise is essential in a democracy. And the great theologian C.S.Lewis said sick society would focus on politics as a sick man focuses on his digestion.

After a momentous two weeks in which the United States has tottered near default, brokered a weak compromise, seen the stock market seesaw wildly, and had a credit rating agency downgrade US debt for the first time in seven decades, things certainly look unhealthy. It's easy to point fingers: Take your pick. Most Americans trust Washington as much as Wall Street, which ranks just above used car dealers. But before we blame others, consider what those three great moral thinkers are saying.
Would they suggest in today's turmoil that we look to our own moral character – take the log from our own eyes, as Christ Jesus put it – before demonizing others?

I have a degree in political science, have spent three decades on Wall have spent three decades on Wall Street, and have written five books on the morality of political economy. So I am fascinated by the connections among the private, public, and independent sectors of our economy. Despite the cynicism toward Washington, I believe our true problem reflects the flawed thinking that has created the impasse between those who believe that government is the answer and those who have faith that "capitalism will save us," as Steve Forbes has written. Strange as it may seem, the heart of this economics debate is moral, even religious, particularly among cultural elites.

The New Economy Blog - The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Do you agree?

Mikeyy · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloe

The New Economy Blog - The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Do you agree?

No I don't agree. Hell I don't agree with the term Judeo-Christian. It's an oxymoron in itself.

AK Gandy · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 07:33 PM

It doesn't surprise me a bit, that there are those who truly believe America should be a Christian Theocracy.

Anti-gay and anti-Islam activists, are where you will find a lot of those people.

We may even hear from a few of them in this thread.

.

AK Gandy · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyy

No I don't agree. Hell I don't agree with the term Judeo-Christian. It's an oxymoron in itself.

A lot of the ones I know, should be called "Pseudo-Christians."

Because they sure as heck don't act like they care about anyone but themselves....... or their own ilk.

.

Chloe · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK Gandy

A lot of the ones I know, should be called "Pseudo-Christians."

Because they sure as heck don't act like they care about anyone but themselves....... or their own ilk.

.

Well do you think america is economically immoral?

saltwn · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloe

The New Economy Blog - The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Do you agree?

Throughout history moral people were often at odds with Christian people. So there is the rub.
See Huck Finn.

Chloe · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltwn

Throughout history moral people were often at odds with Christian people. So there is the rub.
See Huck Finn.

but what does that mean exactly? regardless of "christian" atheists can be moral or immoral, I just wanted to know if anybody thinks americas handling of the economy is wrought with immoral acts that have no way of being repaired ever.

C.S.Lewis said sick society would focus on politics as a sick man focuses on his digestion.

what exactly does that mean too?

saltwn · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloe

but what does that mean exactly? regardless of "christian" atheists can be moral or immoral, I just wanted to know if anybody thinks americas handling of the economy is wrought with immoral acts that have no way of being repaired ever.

C.S.Lewis said sick society would focus on politics as a sick man focuses on his digestion.

what exactly does that mean too?

As an observer of recent events I think yes there is certainly an ocean of immorality. The main "sin" as I see it is that of pride. My way is best type thinking. Republicans do it kind of like a dumb puppy -out in the open "We are the best and know what's best and darned it we will stick to our guns! Rah rah!"

The Democrats try to look like the good guys but are really tossing a few bones and keeping a low profile.

saltwn · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

C.S.Lewis said sick society would focus on politics as a sick man focuses on his digestion.

what exactly does that mean too?

They cure the symptom but not the disease.

Kizzume · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloe

but what does that mean exactly? regardless of "christian" atheists can be moral or immoral, I just wanted to know if anybody thinks americas handling of the economy is wrought with immoral acts that have no way of being repaired ever.

C.S.Lewis said sick society would focus on politics as a sick man focuses on his digestion.

what exactly does that mean too?

Handling of the economy? The question make no sense.

We as a society have definitely raced towards consumerism and materialism, and it shows in everything we do.

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