Islam (Religion)

by Carl, Saturday, September 20, 2008, 03:36 (5703 days ago) @ David Turell

David says: "In terms of morality, it is important to point out that the Commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' is not the proper translation of the Hebrew. It is 'Thou shalt not murder'. Quite a difference." This was in response to my statement that execution of prisoners reduces the moral standing of the US in the world.
The Commandments don't persuade me. Most have to do with the Jew's relationship to Jehovah. Lying, stealing and murder are the only three that show up in our laws, and those are pretty generic for most religions.
I missed out on the great source of morals debate on this site, but my feeling is that you can substitute the word "wise" for "moral" and make much more progress. Moral offenses on drugs, alcohol, sex, stealing, lying and murder are either unwise for the individual or unwise for the community. No one wants to live in a community where he is not secure in his safety and possessions. The only wise way to accomplish that is to prohibit activities that threaten them.
If execution of prisoners in a world which is trying to get away from violent solutions to problems makes us appear primitive to our fellow nations, that could be seen as unwise. 
Granted, wisdom does not cover all cases. If the word "evil" has any meaning at all, it applies to Hitler, Stalin and the 9/11 terrorists.
As I recall, part of the debate turned on the meaning of "human dignity". I would define that as the right of the individual to exercise his will without compulsion. Society removes that right in certain cases, such as students, military personnel, and prisoners. Earlier, the right was removed from slaves. Parents, in theory, extend that right to their offspring as they become wise. Execution certainly violates the right of human dignity. The morality of a society is determined by the wisdom with which it manages that right.
Note: I will be offline for the next several days, but I shall return.