To the Editor:
Peter Wehner argues that the incarnation of Jesus led to a “radical commitment to the dignity and worth of every person.” I expect that all religions could cite a role in that commitment, just as all, including Christianity, would probably acknowledge lapses in their commitment for which they owe an apology.
At the risk of being labeled a Grinch, I suggest that we not forget the secular contribution to human dignity and worth, in particular the idea of democracy that came from the ancient Greeks. It’s the idea that places the responsibility for our humanity and our commitment to a more humane future for our children and our countrymen exactly where it belongs—with ourselves.
DAVID KERNIS
Trumbull, Conn.
Note from KBJ: Nice try. The Greeks had slaves. The "secular contribution to human dignity and worth" has given us Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and Mao Zedong, among others. The end justifies the means!
