True freedom can thrive only in a society grounded in virtue and absolute truth .
Beliefs Have Far-Reaching Consequences
In Part One of this series , we explored the utter futility of relativism , which says each person can make up his or her own moral truth . Evolution and relativism fit together because without God ( evolution assumes He is unnecessary ), absolute moral truth cannot exist . No wonder so many people who ’ ve been taught they descended from animals behave like animals ! 3
In Part Two , we examined the internal consistency of Christianity to showcase the strong foundation it provides — moral and otherwise — for all of life . The tenets we highlighted include the Old Testament teachings about God and morality the rabbi embraced and taught his children and students .
Here , in Part Three , we will demonstrate that Christianity — with its affirmations of God , absolute truth , and inherent rights — offers the only foundation strong enough to maintain both order and freedom in society .
While the exchange between the rabbi and his seatmate neither proves nor disproves God ’ s existence , it does demonstrate that a belief in God is conducive to civil behavior and , ultimately , to a civil society . True freedom can thrive only in a society grounded in virtue and absolute truth . Without virtue , freedom unravels into chaos , which leads increasingly to bigger government and , finally , to tyranny .
Consider the sterling quality traits upheld in the rabbi ’ s perspective . These include generosity , gratitude , selflessness , humility , a sense of responsibility and accountability , and respect for others , especially one ’ s elders . All of these align with the truth that every human life is priceless because God creates each one in His own image .
Moreover , virtues enhance human relationships . While selfishness and the pursuit of personal pleasure tend to foster conflict , timeless virtues promote significant benefits , including stronger and more fulfilling associations , trust , and a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness .
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True freedom can thrive only in a society grounded in virtue and absolute truth .
Rights and Responsibilities Are Interwoven
America ’ s Founding Fathers understood this and saw rights as inextricably linked to duties . 4 John Adams declared , “ We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . Avarice , ambition , revenge or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net . Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people . It is wholly inadequate for any other .” 5
Especially significant is the definition Noah Webster gave the term education in his 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language : “ The bringing up , as of a child , instruction ; formation of manners . Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding , correct the temper , and form the manners and habits of youth , and fit them for usefulness in their future stations . To give children a good education in manners , arts and science , is important ; to give them a religious education is indispensable ; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties .” 6
Virtue , let us not forget , flourishes in the soil of a belief in God and an awareness of one ’ s accountability to Him . A recognition of absolute truth has to be a part of this mix . Just as trains are designed to travel on railroad tracks and can ’ t move efficiently without them , God designed and created people for a purpose that finds its fulfillment only when individuals align their beliefs , behavior , and lives to what their Creator has revealed about Himself and the rest of reality in His Word . 7 This is confining in some ways but liberating in many more .
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