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"A man I respect deeply once told me that, although he had no belief in any kind of God or afterlife he believed that, as a template for leading a good and decent life the teachings of Jesus Christ were as good as any and better than most."

Yes, but I expect your friend, and you, are talking about the aspects of Christ's teachings which liberal Christians concentrate on and not the ones which now look anachronistic. Granted, turning the other cheek would save a lot of court time in dealing with PI claims, but it's no rock on which to construct the the law. If you'll forgive the clumsy metaphor. Loving thine neighbour as thyself is a lovely concept, but what if your neighbour knocks down the party wall and plays loud music through the hole?

People must be free to live their lives according to whatever code works for them, provided that doesn't interfere with anyone else's life. The law, however, must find a path which respects everyone's code, wherever possible and appropriate, and which facilitates the smooth running of society. Basing the law on religious principles, many of which make absolutely no sense at all to people who do not adhere to that faith, cannot work and inevitably favours one section of society over the rest.

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