For everyone except the religious groups, as time as moved on the world view has changed. Saying “sorry” now is (IMHO) hollow and pointless – unless the aim is to garner public support for “what a good person/organisation/church we are…”
Although not to blame for humans indulging in slavery, the Christian church was certainly complicit in the African slave trade (they were black and not Christians, fair game really). I wonder if Dembski will address the religious involvement in slavery? (Even the early Roman church did a fair bit of it…)
]]>As an individual, I don’t see that I should apologise for the actions of other people, either now, in the future or in the past. I take responsibility for my own actions, and others should take responsibility for theirs.
Companies and governments have cultures that have changed since these times. Where appropriate they should be commended and offer apologies commensurate with their involvement.
The culture of religious organisations, though, has not changed in the intervening period: they still subscribe to the exact same scripture and attitudes that they always have, they pimp their beliefs at any opportunity, lay sole claim to morality, and contend that they alone laid the foundation from which slavery was abolished. Utter bullshit.
If the scripture is wrong, throw it out; don’t keep it and claim it as moral if it is anything but. Otherwise you’re nothing but a hypocrite.
Damnit, I need a ciggie and a cuppa now!
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