The Book of Matthew as it relates to Moral Decision making

I've always been of the belief that the majority of the rules written in the Old Testament were there not because they were commanded by God but because without them society would fall apart.  In my opinion, eating Kosher was  about not catching or spreading disease more so than it was about not making God angry.  I still feel pretty strongly this way today, although there are always subtle nuances that evolve given enough time.  The majority of the biblical writings dealing with laws sent down by God seem to be about building a peaceful society.  Not so much about what God wants or does not want.  They are all very similar to what was written by Plato, Aristotle, and Saint Thomas Aquinas with regards to what is necessary for a society to flourish and for the individuals inside that society to work towards the greater good or the final cause.

After going over the readings for this week, I found the readings from the Book of Matthew to be the most interesting as they relate to the question of moral decision making.  The Book of Matthew reading of Chapter 5:17-48 goes into greater detail about the many laws put forth in earlier scriptures and texts, focusing specifically on the Ten Commandments.  The part that I found to be the most interesting and the most in line with my own beliefs comes near the end of the reading, starting from verse 38 where he states,

       “You have heard that it was said, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an  evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (NRSV Matthew 5:38-42)

The way I read this is the beginning of the Bible version of the Golden Rule.  Matthew continues by stating that you should not only love your family but you should love your enemy.  This aligns with the way I have tried to live my life as well as the way I have tried to raise my children.  None of us are going to get it right, none of us are perfect.  But if we strive for perfection and always try to treat others as we would like to be treated, I don't see how one would not end up after everything was said and done, having lived a good and moral life.  There is literally not one Commandment that I have not broken at one time or another.  That is most definitely not said to be boastful of such things, but merely to highlight that as hard as we try, sometimes we will fall short of doing what is morally right.  But if the intent is there to live in a way that strives to be as perfect as God is perfect, knowing that you may stumble along the way, the end result will end up being a society full of people who are morally sound.  I believe that was the goal of all of the biblical readings regarding laws.  To make a just and successful society.