Have any things in the world become more righteous since the 1st century?

Summary

There is evidence to suggest that some things in the world became more righteous since the 1st century AD. 

You can find more details below:

The need to consider evidence objectively:

When evidence is presented, it is important to stay sound minded and have an accurate view on the world that takes into account everything that is true concerning it. 

Paul for example wrote to "not to-be-thinking-highly (of yourself) BEYOND what (you) OUGHT-TO think, but to-be-thinking so-as TO-BE-SOUND-MINDED" (Romans 12:3). The principle beyond this can also be taken beyond what one thinks about himself, but what one thinks about things in the world. 

For example, if some things in the world has gotten overall slightly more righteous from the 1st century to the 21st century, it is sound minded to not think beyond that. Whether someone think beyond that by having a too positive mindset or a too negative one, neither are sound-minded as they both would go beyond what one ought to think if the evidence suggests that it is getting only slightly more righteous. 

Evidence that some things in the world became overall more righteous from the 1st century to the 21st century:

The is evidence that there are things in the world, from the 1st century to the 21st century, that have become more righteous. For example:

Disability rights improved:

In the 1st century, individuals with disabilities were often marginalized and excluded from society, with limited access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

In the 21st century, there have been efforts to promote the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities, including laws and policies aimed at increasing accessibility, reducing discrimination, and ensuring equal opportunities for participation in society.

Jesus said: "You-shall-LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 19:19), and "everything that you want people to-be-doing (to) you, THUS ALSO YOU BE-DOING (TO) THEM" (Matthew 7:12).

Child welfare improved:

In the 1st century, child labor and exposure were common practices. 

In the 21st century, child protection laws and social safety nets aim to ensure a safe and healthy childhood for all.

This is more righteous because children need to be provided for, as Paul for example wrote: "if anyone does not PROVIDE-FOR (his) OWN (RELATIVES), and ESPECIALLY FAMILY-MEMBERS, he-has-denied the faith and is worse (than an) unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).

Medical ethics improved:

In the 1st century, medical practices could be unethical, with little regard for patient consent or the well-being of research subjects.

In the 21st century, the development of medical ethics has led to greater emphasis on patient autonomy, informed consent, and ethical guidelines for medical research and practice.

Jesus said: "You-shall-LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 19:19), and "everything that you want people to-be-doing (to) you, THUS ALSO YOU BE-DOING (TO) THEM" (Matthew 7:12).

Animal legal protection improved:

In the 1st century, animals were often viewed as property and subjected to cruelty and exploitation without legal protections.

In the 21st century, there has been growing recognition of the moral status of animals, leading to efforts to protect them from cruelty, regulate their use in research and agriculture, and promote their welfare through laws and ethical considerations.

This is more righteous, as for example it is written in the Proverbs: "Whoever is RIGHTEOUS HAS REGARD FOR THE LIFE of his ANIMAL" (Proverbs 12:10).

Education reform:

In the 1st century, education was often reserved for the elite, with limited access for the general population. Curriculum focused primarily on traditional subjects like rhetoric, philosophy, and mathematics.

In the 21st century, there is a broader access to education and the development of modern schooling systems. Compulsory education laws, the establishment of public schools, and educational reforms aimed at providing comprehensive education for all children, regardless of social class or background.

This is more righteous, as for example it is written: "My people PERISH for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE" (Hosea 4:6).

↺ Click here to return to the Table of Contents.