THE EDITOR, Madam:
IF PEOPLE like Rev. Espeut and other like-minded Catholics want to use religious doctrine to shape public sentiment and public policy, then their doctrine should be subject to rigorous examination. Their belief that man is intrinsically good has no Biblical basis.
They may use Genesis 1:31, but the condition of man changed after Genesis 3. In Genesis 1, man was perfect and free from sin, but in Genesis 2, God gave man a choice: obey God's instructions and live, or reject them and die. In Genesis 3, man chose the latter option. Ever since then, man is a fallen creature. He ceased to be perfect, and is no longer intrinsically good. Genesis 6:5 explicitly states it for the record!
If man is basically good, as Rev. Espeut believes, then man should be able to approach God on his own terms. But the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy give minute details on how to approach God, and how to treat his fellow man. Such rules are unnecessary if man is intrinsically good as Rev Espeut says.
Ultimately, if man is basically good, then the First Advent of Jesus Christ His atoning work on the Cross, His burial and resurrection, and His ascension into Heaven are all unnecessary.
Law of Retribution
To think that there is "God of the Old Law" and a "God of the New Testament" in effect, there are two Gods is a common failing among some even after they have studied of the Bible. They wrongfully surmise that the God who declared the Law of Retribution (Exodus 21: 22-25) can never be the same God who enjoined His followers to love their enemies (Matt 5:38-47); so they think they're separate.
There is one God, and he is the author of both the old and the new.
The Law of Retribution gives human government the State guidance on how the punishment should fit the crime. Romans 13 the New Testament affirms the Old Testament Law.
Taking Biblical injunctions to individuals to "turn the other cheek" and applying to the State, will lead to a Government unwilling to enforce its laws, thus encouraging lawlessness in the society.
The beliefs of Rev. Espeut and other like-minded Catholics may well be sincerely felt, but they are sincerely wrong.
I am, etc.,
DARRYL EDWARDS
E-mail: de9992@gateway.net
Brooklyn,
New York
Via Go-Jamaica
