The Bible as basis for America's laws

Judith Carlson (Fence Post, Aug. 3) wrote to object to Eric Carver's letter about using the Bible as the basis for American law.

Ms. Carlson's raises legitimate concerns about which version should be used and which laws in the Bible.

Many in our culture are highly sensitive to fears of the U.S. becoming a theocracy, or extreme views being forced upon an unwitting public. Ms. Carlson's tone suggests her objection lies elsewhere.

The underlying issue in this ongoing discussion is authority.

Writers such as Mr. Carver believe the one true God has sufficient authority to instruct his created beings in the best ways to live fruitful lives and please their creator.

Others in our culture approach this loving God with fear and grave suspicion of harm.

The question boils down to whom we trust to identify just laws to grant us the greatest freedom to prosper, while protecting us from one another.

Several writers on this subject have raised the "which version?" question. That is simply answered.

With exception of paraphrased editions, the numerous modern versions are more than 99 percent identical, with no disagreement affecting any major doctrines.

Other writers have mocked specific laws they deem ridiculous to enact in our culture.

These writers confuse ceremonial law (obsolete), civil law (much of which applied to the Old Testament Nation of Israel) and moral law, which remains unchanged.

In fact, Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount expanded our understanding of these beneficial and universal laws.

The latter, I believe, are what Mr. Carver and others are suggesting our culture retain as the best safeguards against the evil that stirs between our ears.

Bob Putman

Schaumburg