The Bible
In the Holy Bible, teachings guide all types of human beings to a better
understanding of life. Many of these verses reach out to man through teachings
of human nature and how to create society's moral values. A personal favorite
verse that may reach out to every man and not just those who practice the Judaeo
- Christian religions is :
" The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor
shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man
shall be put to death for his own sin. " ( Deuteronomy p178,
vs.16)
because it tells of a rule that every man should live by - it demands justice to
isolate the criminal and thereby shield any innocent relative of any unjust
punishment. This is illustrated in the United States justice system and how
society punishes it's wrongdoers.
This verse delivers the message that every man, despite size, color,
religious preference, or personal background, should assume responsibility for
his actions.
Throughout time men who have entered the courthouses scattering
the United States, like the colorful leaves scattered across peoples' yards
during autumn, have pleaded innocence - blaming parents and their unjust
upbringing. They scream to the jury that it really wasn't their fault, but the
fault of their parents because if they had a perfect childhood then they
wouldn't have committed the crime. It is true that the values that children
develop in their early years are important in influencing future decisions but
how does this explain the many adults that climb above their horrible childhood
and become successful happy individuals. This proves that the individual is in
charge of his every move and every action in life - he is in charge of his own
destiny. Sin is never forced...