Libya Ethics
Libya Becomes the Potential Textbook for Legitimate Use of Force as the World Undergoes a Major Revolution in the Direction of Democracy. When Evil is Palpable, Nations Must Act
Abba's Way is an iteration of Christianity that is universal and beyond religion - a spiritual way based on the affirmation of the Lord's Prayer as universal and of the following core universal values - tolerance, helpfulness, democracy and non-idolatry.
The use of force in Libya would be justified by the thrust and values of Abba's Way.
The value of tolerance has two aspects. In terms of being non-judgmental it stops at evil and Abba's way defines evil as the taking of lives. The behavior of Libya's dictator has been proven intolerable in this sense for decades.
The second understanding of tolerance is one's capacity to bend with events. In Libya we are past that capacity. We have no indication that the dictator will alter his behavior and he has already exceeded whatever credit one might offer him for good behavior.
Helpfulness
The value or criterion of helpfulness is quite simply in this situation a negative when it comes to the dictator. He has done nothing to enable his people and everything to overpower and kill them.
Democracy
Democracy is the default mode of governance condoned by Abba's way. The meaning of democracy goes way beyond a form of government which can vary. Democracy insists on the equal right of every human being to all rights. By definition Libya has not approached this value.
Non-Idolatry.
This refers to the basis of the three values above. It is the core value. It means in essence that worship and allegiance is not given to anything or anyone save Abba who is the nameless One who Jesus represented and embodied as Abba - a friend and companion within each living being.
When the dictator violates all three active values and then idolizes his own power and his right to crush and kill others, he is in essence striking out on all of the values that Abba's way believes are the basis of a polity that can save the world.
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Based on these considerations I believe the nations should enter Tripoli and capture the dictator and take him directly to the Hague for arraignment before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humankind.
How does the use or force in Libya Parse with Abba's Way
Published by Stephen C. Rose
Founder Editor Renewal Magazine, Chicago. World Council of Churches, Geneva Editor RISK. Albert Schweitzer Center, MA. UNICEF DOC NY, UNDP NY. Editor Choices. View profile
