07-19-2019, 10:37 PM
Okay, I'm going to keep up the comments here.
I've read up to Chapter 9 so far but haven't been consistent with my reading.
Instead of going through every chapter (which I'm still happy to do), I'm going to make some comments on couple of things I'm not sure I agree with.
Although in Chapter 6 Prager says we need both the"good urge and the bad urge" relating to the word yetzer, in Chapter 8 he writes an essay explaining his belief that people are basically good is foolish and dangerous. This is based on Genesis 8:21 where it says our thoughts are evil from our youth.
Here I disagree because as noted in Chapter 6, we have a choice. Yes, we can think many bad things and act out on them. But overall, we all have some good in us to see what is right and wrong, that is if we understand what that is. So it's really based on what we are taught and society around us. If we have good in us, know what is right and have people around us who practice this, we too can be basically good.
Yes there are some exceptions, but if you look at structured households, whether they be religious Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddha's, Hindu's and others, where the children are taught correctly and the parents lead by example, there is a much better percentage of those who will grow up "basically good".
Also, I was under the impression that verse in Genesis explains that we are to be of a certain age before we really understand what is right and wrong. An infant may seem mischievous, but it is usually curiosity. Of course there are exceptions there as well. So how can we be "bad" if we don't really understand what that means.
In Chapter 9, Prager shows how he believes the death penalty is needed for premeditated murder. Now this is a very controversial topic and I don't think there is a 100% absolute answer. But, I do see people who do terrible things that can rehabilitate. No, it's still not fair to the family of the one who is murdered, but to take a life of a person who can change may not be so great in my opinion either. Maybe this person can be helpful to others and prevent some from doing exactly what he did.
I understand it is G-d's rules, not mine, but there seems to be some agreement I think with how the sages of the time held the death sentence to be.
Okay, I just opened the door for lots of views and comments.
Actually, I kicked the door wide open and know there is lots to be said.
Your up!
I've read up to Chapter 9 so far but haven't been consistent with my reading.
Instead of going through every chapter (which I'm still happy to do), I'm going to make some comments on couple of things I'm not sure I agree with.
Although in Chapter 6 Prager says we need both the"good urge and the bad urge" relating to the word yetzer, in Chapter 8 he writes an essay explaining his belief that people are basically good is foolish and dangerous. This is based on Genesis 8:21 where it says our thoughts are evil from our youth.
Here I disagree because as noted in Chapter 6, we have a choice. Yes, we can think many bad things and act out on them. But overall, we all have some good in us to see what is right and wrong, that is if we understand what that is. So it's really based on what we are taught and society around us. If we have good in us, know what is right and have people around us who practice this, we too can be basically good.
Yes there are some exceptions, but if you look at structured households, whether they be religious Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddha's, Hindu's and others, where the children are taught correctly and the parents lead by example, there is a much better percentage of those who will grow up "basically good".
Also, I was under the impression that verse in Genesis explains that we are to be of a certain age before we really understand what is right and wrong. An infant may seem mischievous, but it is usually curiosity. Of course there are exceptions there as well. So how can we be "bad" if we don't really understand what that means.
In Chapter 9, Prager shows how he believes the death penalty is needed for premeditated murder. Now this is a very controversial topic and I don't think there is a 100% absolute answer. But, I do see people who do terrible things that can rehabilitate. No, it's still not fair to the family of the one who is murdered, but to take a life of a person who can change may not be so great in my opinion either. Maybe this person can be helpful to others and prevent some from doing exactly what he did.
I understand it is G-d's rules, not mine, but there seems to be some agreement I think with how the sages of the time held the death sentence to be.
Okay, I just opened the door for lots of views and comments.
Actually, I kicked the door wide open and know there is lots to be said.
Your up!