Good points from John which I think conclusively answer beliefs some (not myself) Christians may have that moral ideas and equality were absent pre 30-33AD.I've appreciate both standpoints in this Blog! I think the source of Jesus' & Paul's beliefs has to be founded in OT theology due to their context which was most certainly Jewish?

(James Thompson, on "Atheism and the Good Life")

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Christianity and AID work – what’s the connection?

Fiona McLeay

At the onset of major crises like the recent hurricane in Burma or earthquake in China, armies of aid workers magically appear ready and able to provide assistance with desperately needed fresh water, food parcels, medicine, shelter and clothing. These high profile events can at times obscure the longer-term projects carried out by the same groups dedicated to broad development such as child sponsorship, micro enterprise development, health care, education and community-building enterprises. It is a mixed bag of government and private agencies - some more effective than others. Many, but by no means all, emerge from a strong base of religious belief. I work for World Vision Australia, which is an aid and development NGO with an explicit Christian ‘faith base’ to its mission and values. The role of religion and in development is thus one that we wrestle with every day.

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