September 1, 2002

To the editor of the Atlanta Journal/Constitution

As 9/11 approaches we can only wonder how someone committing such a horror might have a clear conscience. Kant has something quite apropos to say about this. Since there is always the possibility of some error in transmission and/or in interpretation to a reported command of God (even if accompanied by apparent miracles), one cannot appeal to such a report to justify an immoral act. To still do so is tantamount to demanding of God that you be cast into the worst of hells if a single word in that record is incorrect in any way, including in interpretation. If God acted as Kant says he must, then when the “martyrs” of 9/11 arrived into his presence, God will have made clear to them their lack of prudence by saying “how could you be so sure of mere hearsay concerning my commands, since that hearsay was in conflict with what I told you directly through the moral law within you? You should have thought about that!”

Sincerely

Philip McPherson Rudisill