D.G. Martin: Greek and Hebrew guides to our political differences

[TexasTowelie]

He {Professor Lloyd Kramer} explains, “The Greeks developed the philosophical understanding of reason, stressed the rational pursuit of knowledge, and (in such thinkers as Aristotle) emphasized the observation or study of nature. Although the Greeks talked about the gods and a higher metaphysical realm, they were fascinated by the human body and the material world.

“The Hebrews, in contrast, developed the idea of monotheism, stressed the unique human ability to communicate with God, and (in such thinkers as the prophets) emphasized God’s role in human history.

“Although the Hebrews wrote about political events and real people acting in the world, they gave great attention to spiritual issues and to divine powers or ethical injunctions.

“To summarize these distinctions in very broad terms, the Greeks saw reason as the path to truth and the Hebrews saw divine revelation as the path to ultimate truth.”

Read the complete article: https://www.fayobserver.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2020/11/22/election-2020-greek-and-hebrew-guides-our-political-differences/6352788002/
(Fayettesville Observer)

[struggle4progress]

1. A bad analysis is worse than no analysis at all

[TigressDem]

2. "Truth" is broad enough that it encompasses both science and religion, I think.

The world we live in is science based. Cause and effect, something happens - result.

However, our internal world is about the way we move through this world. How we choose to live.

Even Humanism as a non-religious example looks to improve oneself and that is above and beyond cause and effect. It is about choice. It can be informed by cause and effect and it can also rise above.

For society to have evolved, we had to agree upon certain things. Murder is not good for a community. People should contribute and not expect others to do everything for them.

But ultimately, when people decided to find a real guiding light and rise above pettiness, they thought about divine beings. Some kind of guidance that would be revolutionary and move us all in a better direction.

It hasn't always worked out that way as religion has been used as a tool by those in power, over and over again.

But the core beliefs, to be the best person you are able by following solid examples isn't the worst thing people can do.

And sometimes believers forget that "God is God" not themselves. Trying to force others to believe as "they should" is ridiculous. Each person has to do that job themselves and if open to options, should be allowed to seek and/or ask about things. Shoving a Bible or whatever tract in someone else's face isn't helpful.

Churches have done many good things for people and the community.

So has Science.

[abqtommy]

3. When I compare what history tells us with the current reality of the Greeks or the Hebrews

I'm not sure I want to use either of them as a template for the creation of any productive
society.