MDM4M - Modern Disciple Magazine for Men - Daily Dose

To be sure, Christianity promotes good moral living-but this is a byproduct, a necessary result of what Christ did for me. Jesus died for me, so I want to please him by living a good moral life. My morals are an expression of gratitude, not some misguided attempt to exceed God's standards.

So what does this discussion of morality have to do with the prisoner abuse scandal? A look at our own morals reminds us that we need to be careful never to become bigoted or intolerant towards people from another culture.

In the first place, many people from their own culture would disagree with the action terrorists have taken.

In the second place, religion is not the sole motivation for terrorist acts. Just as in North America, money and power have their share of influence.

In the third place, we need to admit with a dose of humility that our own morality is on precarious ground. One of my professors used to say, "scratch modern society skin-deep and you will find savagery."

The people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and every other foreign country need our love. I admit that sometimes love must necessarily take the practical form of political liberation. Still, when love is the foundation of our morality, we will not err.

Jesus said it best when he was asked what the most important law was: "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39, NLT).

Stephen Barkley

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