Letter to the editor: Society's foundations rooted in love

The writer of the letter “Destroying our foundations” (Dec. 31, TribLive) claims the foundation of Western civilization lies in the Ten Commandments, particularly “Do not murder.” While this commandment is an important moral ideal, history tells a different story.

The USA was built on the displacement and slaughter of indigenous peoples, with policies such as the Indian Removal Act leading to tens of thousands of deaths. The institution of slavery brutalized and murdered millions in pursuit of profit. Abroad, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Vietnam War and more recent conflicts in the Middle East have claimed countless civilian lives. These actions directly contradict the commandment against murder and reflect a troubling departure from moral principles.

If we truly seek a foundation for a just society, we should look to the liberal teachings of Jesus. When asked which commandment is the greatest, he replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This profound message defines the moral compass Christians must embrace.

Loving your neighbor means caring for all people, including the undocumented, the poor, the sick, the hungry and the marginalized, such as the LGBTQ community. A society rooted in love for one another cannot permit policies or actions that dehumanize or exclude anyone.

The true foundation of a moral and just civilization is not simply avoiding murder but fostering compassion and justice for all our neighbors. Let us strive to live by these liberal Christian principles as Jesus did.

William Werts Jr.

Greensburg