Reader: Have we resorted to hedonism? – Midland Daily News

To the editor:

What was life like before the influence of Christianity? A recent study of moral conditions in the Roman Empire revealed some sorry facts. Outside of Judaism, there was no relationship between religion and morals. The people were depraved, corrupt, wicked. The pagans worshiped anything, including the sun, animals, images of Greek gods of mythology. Their temples were staffed with prostitutes and sodomites. Divorce, adultery, fornication, abortion and suicide were extensively practiced; children were offered to idols and girl babies were exposed.

Life was not sacred and they had a morbid craving for bloodshed. Hence, the amusement at throwing people to the lions and the gladiatorial combats. It took the moral power of Christ's gospel to check the inhumanity. It's no wonder that so many appreciated the love, joy, peace and hope seen in their Christian neighbors.

Looking at these characteristics, do we recognize how many of them to which we have reverted? Another school shooting. Another example of the lack of respect for life or of a concern for one's soul. Hedonism is the belief that pleasure is the highest good of life. Have we also resorted to that?

The major question now is why do we want to go back to these sordid practices that separate us from God?

BARBARA PHILLIPS

Freeland

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Reader: Have we resorted to hedonism? - Midland Daily News