Читать книгу So They Say - Robert H. Mounce - Страница 20

It is interesting that while disparate world-views see the larger picture quite differently, a given quotation can often fit comfortably in both. For instance, Mencius a famous Chinese philosopher of the third century BC and a principal interpreter of Confucianism, believed in the unique goodness of the individual and that bad moral character was the result of society’s failure to exercise a positive influence on the individual. That is quite distinct from the historic Judeo-Christian position that man, although created in the image of God, chose to sin — the result of which was a basic flaw in human nature. Yet the Christian can agree wholeheartedly with Mencius that, “friendship is one mind in two bodies.”

World-views can be diagrammed as large overlapping circles. A number of ideals may be distinct to one or the other but at the same time there exist many that are common to both. As you would expect, issues that are central to a world-view determine where they stand in the diagram. Human nature is certainly one of them. Mencius believed that negative qualities in a person were the influence of society while the Christian faith teaches that, “it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come — sexual immorality, theft, murder.” (Mark 7:21).

But, back to the quotation, “Friendship is one mind in two bodies.” It is shared values that draw people together, especially when those values are religious or political. To disagree in those areas keeps any relationship nominal at best. At the same time there is such a wide range of common acceptance that individuals who hold fundamentally different principles are able to live in harmony and share a common life. While I may not agree with a man who honestly believes that government is the answer for society’s ills, there is no reason that I cannot enjoy a good football game or a good dinner with him. One of the goals of a democratic civilization should be to maintain a pleasant working relationship with all others of this broad point of view. It is only when one ideology attempts to force its point of view on others who are not persuaded, that serious conflict results. Unfortunately there are so many examples of this in today’s world. One would be the atheist’s concern that God have no place in discussions in the public square. Since the majority does believes in God, it would seem unfair to penalize them because a small minority claims to be offended. Of course the rights of that minority must be honored but not to the extent that the rights of the majority are over-ruled.

Genuine friendship is a wonderful relationship. I would hope that a respectful relationship between those of differing ideals can exist as well. A major step toward that goal is to treat the other as we would have the other treat us. Of course that is what the New Testament teaches as the Golden Rule.