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If I happen to meet you one day, I promise to address you with an appropriate form of respect: "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Miss." If I stumble, please tell me. I will not be insulted. In fact, your correction of my mistake will honor me, for it will help us both to remember, even in our topsy-turvy times, that respect is a right due to each of us by virtue of our humanity, but friendship and intimacy are privileges that must be earned.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Recent Christianity Today columns by Stephen L. Carter include:

Why Rules Rule | Debates on the Ten Commandments expose our culture's ultimate rift. (posted 9/6/01)

We Interrupt This Childhood | Parents who raise their children to do right face a barrage of resistance. (July 11, 2001)

And the Word Turned Secular | Christians should count the cost of the state's affirmation. (May 29, 2001)

Vouching for Parents | Vouchers are not an attack on public schools but a vote of trust in families. (Apr. 2, 2001)

The Courage to Lose | In elections, and in life, there is something more important than winning. (Feb. 6, 2001)

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October 22 2001, Vol. 45, No. 13