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A parent taught two children to be careful crossing the street with the following rules: always look both ways to see that it is safe, only cross when the light is red, only cross in the crosswalk. The children were obedient and always followed the rules. They even wrote them down in a book so as not to forget them. As time went on, they received many other rules, which they also wrote down. Much time passed and the children grew in strength, stature and wisdom. One day, the parent said to the children. "You have done well and have learned much. From now on, I trust that you will always look both ways and be careful when you cross the street. You do not have to cross in the crosswalk only, but wherever it is safe". One child heard the parent and did accordingly, but the other refused to change the rules in his book and kept fast to them always. The children argued and each chastised each other for disobeying.

Who then is obedient to the parent?

2007-05-07 15:55:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

7 answers

Both were obedient, however the one that crossed anywhere could let go of the old rule when one with more freedom came along. Dogma vs truth. I like it! ~ : )

2007-05-07 16:08:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3 0

They are both being obedient to the parent. The parent recognized that they were developed enough to judge for themselves if it was safe enough to cross or not. But one of them relies on the book to tell him what to do, maybe he's a little dependent on it, or not trusting his own judgement enough. :)

2007-05-08 05:22:55 · answer #2 · answered by beatlefan 7 · 3 0

Hmm...my first impulse is to say, the child who obeyed the new commandment,
"You do not have to cross in the crosswalk only, but wherever it is safe", but now I'm curious, which is it?


-----Cosmic: I think you nailed it!

2007-05-07 23:10:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 3 0

The child who listened to the parent and did accordingly...the child who allowed him / herself to cross wherever safe.

This being a Parable . . . I think of the phrases... " Color outside the lines " . . . " Don't have to stay inside the 'box'. . .and a personal favorite of mine..." If it's not going to get me arrested or embarrass myself or anyone around me....then I'm going to do it ". (That last one's mine).

In other words...Be respectful and honoring while still allowing yourself to explore and grow.
.

2007-05-08 02:50:38 · answer #4 · answered by onelight 5 · 4 0

The one who grows with wisdom learned :-) For life is not meant to stagnate, the only truth can be wisdom's growth.

2007-05-08 05:29:33 · answer #5 · answered by James 5 · 3 0

Neither, becuase if they crossed at the "red" they would both be dead.

2007-05-07 23:02:29 · answer #6 · answered by meeeeeee 3 · 0 1

Lovely question. :-)

2007-05-08 20:30:05 · answer #7 · answered by goodfella 5 · 1 0

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