|
Why do justice and prudence, so deeply attractive, appear more elusive as we try more sincerely? If we seek 'the common good,' why is it so hard to find and so hard to reach? In Volume Two/4 of God Encountered van Beeck focuses on such questions regarding morality by examining sin and judgment. The Jewish and Christian traditions say that we neither know nor love the eternal source not only of all cosmic energy but also of the human thirst for truth and goodness: God. Yet, only by God are we inclusively known and intimately loved, from eternity. God promises to be our lasting good, to live with us forever, acknowledged by all. Thus the Great Tradition knows of a plight infinitely worse than falling victim first to mindless passion and then also to the fatal seduction of our 'best judgments.' Such a plight is turning from God; being addicted, with Adam and Eve, to mastery and judgment; living in fear of death. Our world is finding this 'theonomous' reading of the human condition unlikely. Why? Father van Beeck offers his explanation.
|
