Each of three premises
that author discus on page 334 legitimate and should be considered as a key
factor to build our culture. I do believe in the rationality premise. As a
Christian I do see that most people are capable of discovering the truth
through logical analysis. Apostle Paul in his letter to Roman church in says:
“…because that which
is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For
since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and
divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been
made, so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:19-20
I
clearly see that God had given us, human capability to see our world was
created by God, and we can see it through observing creation. Logical analysis
is a crucial element here for human nature. It makes us capable of discovering
God by observing our world, nature and every creation. Here is why this premise
“underlies many American institutions, including democracy, trial by jury, and
free enterprise”.
The
perfectibility premise is legit as for me, because I do believe that every
human is born in sin, and we are capable of achieving goodness through effort
and control. Human history contains many examples of those who followed this
rule and had achieved what they believe in. For example, John Calvin and his
practice in Geneva showed that perfectibility premise works, but at the same
time achieving goodness and perfection are two different concepts.
The
mutability premise is worth to be believed in. From my own perspective I see
how true is it, when I analyze how people have changed since economic downturn
hit our country. Just think about how store policies and security were changed
since people steal more. During economic growth, more jobs were available, so
people could count on stable income, which empowered them to buy what they
needed. So is human behavior shaped by environmental factors? I think it is
rhetorical question…
I find it interesting that you bring religion into the culture definition. I know the United States is based on the Christian belief system, but we are sooo intermingled now I believe that our culture is no longer religion based, but are more locality based. As a culture we are very self involved and I am almost entertained that the people who have not been religious in their lifetime are now turning to organized religion because of the economy and their personal downturn. The most self involved person is turning to a culture changing organization to try to fix their own lives. The only problem with that is the church can’t fix the problems, it’s the people within the church organization who have the power of change.
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