Conscience connects us
I WAS intrigued by the article written by Professor George Devenish, “Weighing the debate on religion in state schools” on July 3.
I would like to trigger my response from the view of the atheist and agnostic as opposed to religion; I am a follower of true Christianity. Due cognisance is taken of the constitution and its opening statements or preamble rightfully acknowledging deity. I deem it to be no small matter that there was divine guidance given to those noble participants who assisted in the drafting of the interim constitution in 1993.
The fact that divinity is early acknowledged in relation to there being a God or a god who is a superior controlling force and excellency, is nothing but remarkable.
The atheist is of the belief that God does not exist. The agnostic believes that one cannot know whether or not God exists. Allow me to show that deity, holiness, sanctity and scripture bares necessary relevance and was rightfully and clearly included in the constitution.
I also make reference to section 9 of the constitution relating to believers and non-believers and possible equality. I would like to prove that all of mankind can believe in a higher authority noted as deity. Devenish makes particular reference to section 15 of the constitution “that provides that everyone has the right to freedom of conscience” and that is where I want to express my opinion.
God, the ultimate deity, has given to all of mankind, a conscience and therefore more specifically a consciousness of deity. Conscience enables us to distinguish what is right and wrong.
Conscience is primary, for if the existence of deity, grace and mercy of a holy God is rejected, conscience remains as the outstanding means of acknowledging that a divine being exists. Holy deity in a coming day will judge those who wilfully reject deity on the grounds that they had a conscience to accept divinity and deity to enlighten them.
Conscience provides the knowledge that the breathtaking beauty of mother earth and all of creation must be traced back to deity. The indescribable beauty and infinite expanse of the heavens with the innumerable stars and amazing planets all in perfect synchronicity is known and appreciated through the eyes of conscience.
The constitution is also challenged as to a bias in favour of religion in general and reference is made to the US where any form of religious exercise is not permitted in schools. The US is sadly not the best example as they are known to be the modern day Babylon. Early excavations of the old city of Babylon (now part of Iraq) revealed the ruins of the Tower of Babel.
The ancient Babylonians tried to build a tower which would reach heaven but God prevented them by confounding their language. They were not able to understand each other hence their confusion and demise.
All things considered, do not let the US be our guide, but let conscience guide and connect us back to deity.
PETER ALAN MORILLY Durbanville