Admirable Ethical Systems

In Chapter 4 of The Socratic Universe I found that I could most understand and agree with Professor Churchland's views on Ethical Systems which in essence I guess would be Aristotle's ideas ofethics. Common Sense is definitely not so common nowadays in a society that values instant gratification and a bigger is better type of attitude. Now, while wisdom may not be necessary to follow the rules and following the rules may lead people to believe that they are generally good and moral and maybe even ethical, i think it takes a degree of independant critical thinking and wisdom to really be able to consider oneself a good person. Anyone can do what they are told but to be able to make the distinction between right andwrong, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical, without having to be told or taught, that, I believe, is the mark of a truly good and ethical person.
I found Needleman's response to the question of admirable ethical systems to be most puzzling. While the idea of Christianity may have been admirable, the follow through has been less than stellar. Many "Christians" live lives that don't seem to follow the plainly outlined 'rules and guidelines' that they are supposed to in order to receive eternal salvation. I am surprised that he did not feel the need to expand his response a bit (then again, I guess I am not that surprised as many who admire the Christian ideals do not feel the need to support, defend or back up their views). I found it interesting that a Professor of Philosophy, which seems to be somewhat of a study of questions and answers would commit Christianity as a noteworthy ethical platform. Unlike philosophy,Christianity seems to have an answer for everything, and that answer is usually God.