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  An argument I often hear goes something like; the bible doesn't say anything about this or that, the constitution doesn't say anything about that, or that's what it says, but that isn't what it means. I always have to chuckle at those, although I admit there are times it just leaves me frustrated. Frustrated with the logic being used by whomever to justify whatever. There sure is an awful lot of that going on these days. If it doesn't say I can't, that means I should being the logic. I'd suggest in the vast majority of those cases the person referencing the document hasn't even read the entire document. 

  I just smile thinking the Bible doesn't say anything about a lot of subjects, it wasn't written as a complete guide to the universe and everything in it. No, the Bible is an instructional manual really, stories, proverbs and adages to provide guidance. Remember there are two books in the Bible, the new and the old. Aren't both relevant? Did the new replace the old? No it didn't. It is the fulfillment of the old testament promises. That is the official theological line anyway. That's if you want to view the bible in an objective fashion. But the Bible isn't an objective document, it is a document based on belief. It's purpose is to inspire personal belief, not establish a government. Think the first amendment. Those founding fathers were pretty smart guys, weren't they. 

  That brings me to the constitution. There are a good number of things that aren't directly addressed in that document. The document itself explains what its' purpose is: “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, [and] promote the general Welfare.” It isn't a comprehensive listing of allowed or acceptable behaviors. It is a general guideline subject to interpretation. That is the function of lawyers. They read the law and attempt to have it conform to their clients wishes. In the end a judge will issue a judgement. That's their job. Ever notice how before the judgement is issued most believe that it is a bad thing. But when the judgement goes in your favor it's always spot on! In fact, it is justice personified! People decrying, "you shouldn't judge" are just saying, don't tell me I'm wrong. 

  The constitutions' intent is to promote the general welfare. That means everyone. Now that's a tall order to fill as everyone has a different need, or idea, about their welfare. Is what is good for the goose really also good for the gander? Well, not in every situation it isn't and that applies to people as well. There has to be a compromise somewhere along the way. 

 The bible serves as a guide to obtaining eternal life. That's the message there. It is also designed to promote the general welfare of the people. If everyone did indeed follow the "rules" also known as the laws of God, everyone goes to heaven. If everyone follows the constitution, to the letter, we would all live in harmony. The general welfare would be guaranteed. But we don't. And we don't for the same reason we don't all follow our biblical teachings. We all have our own ideas about that. As a result we look for the loopholes, the exemptions and exceptions. Well, it doesn't say I can't. And I have a lawyer to back that up. All I need is the judgement! If the judge says it's all good, that's all I need. 

  I suspect that is the reason for the variety of Gods that exist in the world. All you need is the proper judgment. It sure works to my advantage when I get to appoint the judge. Funny how you hear about that a great deal today as well. The supreme court has changed in size several times over the last 148 years. Different judges have been appointed and in some cases that has changed the "rules." Are we looking for a completely objective judge, or one that forgives us? Well now that's a big issue isn't it? When the judge (god) is on my side his/her authority is unquestioned and absolute. When that judge(god) disagrees with me I reject that judge (god.) 

  Yeah, that's how that works. I don't have to say you're wrong, we just have a different opinion. The supreme court issues an opinion. Congress then acts upon that opinion. Opinions don't make law, legislators make law. But when it comes to belief that is a different scenario altogether. In that case it is the strength of conviction that prevails. Conviction, to be convinced or to be judged guilty? Same thing right? 

 Well, that goes back to opinion now doesn't it. If I obey the law I won't be convicted of anything. I'm convinced of that. All that is required is that we all agree upon the law. Can we write that down? No we can't write all that down, the best we can do is list the exceptions to the rule. Been doing that since the beginning. According to Jewish traditions there are 613 commandments in the Torah. That's just the first five chapters in the Bible. They have been shortened to ten, to allow for some exceptions is my guess.