Isaac, I am glad you continue to grapple with our fundamental moral anthropology. Without the incorporation of a Christian understanding of our fellow man as the “imago Dei,” flaws and all, humans would quickly neglect our enemy’s human dignity and worth. When enemies are dehumanized, victors who supposedly overcame evil with good can themselves become an even greater evil in their treatment of the conquered peoples. Human nature, and a recognition of our own impulse towards evil, is essential for ensuring that external moral standards are recognized and applied.
