I couldn't help notice the difference in America, how we view the Iraqi prisoner situation, with how the Muslim nations viewed the Berg situation.
We were appalled at how the Iraqis were treated and are looking to punish the perpetrators. In the Islamic World the executioners of this young American are viewed as heroes, in fact beheading someone is no big deal over there.
This has to do with the influence Christianity has on our worldview in Western culture. In non christian societies life is de-valued.
This difference is brought to light by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount when he says calling your neighbor a fool is equivalent to murder. In most societies when your neighbor hits you, yoiu are expected to retaliate, Christk expects us to turn the other cheek.
While I am not always proud of the things going on in American society, at least we are still appalled at some thing and by feeling this way we show otherss how we value life. Treating all people with compassion is still a goal alive, (yet on life support) in our Western Society.
* This is Lyle's first post on his blog dated Saturday, May 15, 2004
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