Modern standards

Press, 25 July 1986, Page 16

Modern standards

Sir,—Arthur May (July 21) Is both right and wrong. He is right that the God of the New Testament and the Old Testament is the same God; He does indeed ordain wars. But Mr May is wrong in implying God acts immorally in ordaining such events. If I drop sodium in water I will get an explosion because their respective properties ensure this. Man, in his sin and natural tendency towards evil, manifests these properties or characteristics in his social interaction. War and conflict result. Who then is morally responsible for the death of “innocents”? Man is, not God. God’s morality is expressed in the Ten Commandments. Immorality occurs when men in sinful rebellion against God break those moral laws. Sorry, Arthur May, but the blame lies with us. Charging God with immorality will not banish Him from the universe, but only Increase our own guilt and condemnation. — Yours, etc.,

G. MILNE. July 21, 1986.

Sir, —The answers to Arthur May’s questions are there for all to read in the New Testament. For the Old Testament Israelite to learn to limit revenge to what was fair and equal was a great step forward, but not the final development Our Lord, as He said, came not to break the law, but to fulfil it by carrying it forward to its ideal, and demonstrating that quality of life. None of us have lived up to it, but in taking our place on the Cross He made that life available to us, in the Gospel. Historically, many of our Maori people responded to that Gospel by stepping in one generation from lives ruled by “utu” to Christian charity. In repudiating Christ, our modern world is sinking below law, into lawlessness. — Yours, etc.,

E. READ. July 22, 1986.