In regards to Spookshow baby's excellent question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060920125033AAjqMtQ&r=w#QcMrWWHqBWWNDZO92sphmyRIp4GTpXxOTYYoIrYuLW22WHOfk36G
If someone is a good person out of fear of discipline, doesn't that mean that they are acting selfish? You are only doing something because you are scared of what the consequences are if you do otherwise.
Personally I find that if - for example - an atheist is a good person, they are a better person than a Christian SIMPLY because most Christians have said they are good so they can meet God and go to Heaven.
Doesn't that defeat the purpose of being a good Christian? Sounds like you are being good for the reward…
2006-09-20 09:07:32 · 27 answers · asked by ηιgнт ѕтαя 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"I gained this by Philosophy - That I do without being commanded that which is right." -- Aristotle.
This is the essence of good morality -- doing right BECAUSE it is Right. Not because a man or a god told you to, not because it gets you a prize or reward, not because it keeps you from being punished, but right solely for the sake of Right.
2006-09-20 09:10:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
Being a good person does not constitute Christianity.
His Word says our "good deeds" are as "filthy rags". (Isaiah 64:6) At the risk of being indelicate this reference to filthy rags has been likened to feminine protection products. You take it from there. That doesn't mean we shouldn't do good deeds - just that they count for nothing towards salvation.
Salvation comes only by the grace of God through faith in His son Jesus. No other way.
I help others all week long and want nor expect anything in return. My reward is knowing I have made their lives a little better. The reward in knowing Him is here and now in addition to when he returns. It is manifested in the joy and peace one has with a loving relationship with the Heavenly Father.
2006-09-20 16:27:33 · answer #2 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly. Most believe simply because they fear hell. They do good just for the rewards offered. Doing something good because you know it's good is totally different though. You don't expect anything out of it, recognition or reward. That is what makes it "good".
I did see a lot of replies that stated the verse in the bible, that none are good. I wonder if they read the whole thing? That was Jesus talking "why do you call ME good? none are good, except god" But they'll tell you Jesus is good. (Sigh) And it's really no wonder there is so much depression and suicide in our society with our main religion telling everyone they aren't good, they're not worth anything, they deserve only hell, etc. And this from a "loving god".
2006-09-20 16:30:31 · answer #3 · answered by NightShade 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Selfish, or legitimate self interest?
When an atheist does good, isn't also because he/she is afraid of feeling guilty or for the hope of feeling good? Many atheists that I know of talk about the "social contract" theory of morality that says that morality is defined as whatever brings about the greater good of society, while evil is defined as whatever causes the social fabric to unravel.
Based on this idea, atheists are doing good mainly because they are trying to prevent the collapse of civil society into barbarism. Either that, or they are hoping that other people will consider them to be "good" and say & do nice things in return. Sounds like atheists have the same motives as Christians: ultimately you are doing good because you hope to indirectly benefit from the results.
2006-09-20 16:20:06 · answer #4 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy and good works and good morals does not a soul save. Nor does it a heart change. You are supposing that Christians do good deeds by means of legislation, and it is true that some do. That is what we call religion. But the Bible is abundantly clear that no person can justify themselves before God with their good deeds. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ only that anyone is saved. A heart that has been transformed by the power of God in the New Birth is the only acceptable source for good works.
2006-09-20 16:18:00 · answer #5 · answered by firebyknight 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on how you define good. If you look at actions, then perhaps they are good. If you look internally, which may be impossible to do except with yourself, you might find some snarls.
But I see your point.
One thing I am sure of - you see the occasional company that bills itself as christian. A lot of people assume that means they will be "good." Not so. I would mistrust a christian businessman as much as I would anyone else.
2006-09-20 16:17:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Merely 'doing good acts' and 'being a good person' don't get you into Heaven.
I fully believe that there are many athiests out there who are 'better people' or who do more 'good acts' than many Christians.
When it comes to going to Heaven, athiests obviously won't care, but a person has to be 'saved'. At the judgement, saying that you volunteered for different charities every day of your life (or whatever) won't matter if you are a sinner and don't know Jesus.
2006-09-20 16:09:52 · answer #7 · answered by slim1234 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I am a Christian. I am trying to be a Good Christian so my Baby Daughter when she grows up will be proud of her Mother. that might selfish. but it's better then what i was before was saved. that person is gone. that person I would never want my Daughter to see.
2006-09-20 16:23:58 · answer #8 · answered by Proud Mommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong about being good to receive a reward. The reward on earth for being good is staying out of jail. As a prison pastor I can tell you that there is nothing good about jail. The reward in heaven for being good is staying out of hell and receiving an inheritance int he kingdom of God with Christ.
2006-09-20 16:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by Preacher 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
God knows the difference between someone accepting Jesus as their savoir out of fear VS someone accepting Jesus out of genuine love and devotion. You can't fool God. He knows everyone inside and out.
With becoming a born again Christian, you can't just stop at accepting Jesus as your savior. Jesus will say this to anyone who does not follow through on the responsibliities of a Christian...
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
The Lord knows the difference between a true Chrsitian in a forward motion and one who just calls themselves a Christian. The one's who just call themselves A Christian.. Well God has this to say to them....
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
A true Christian stays in God's word everyday and applies it to their life, and repents of their sins daily,and tries to change the parts of themselves that do not live up to what God expects of them, instead of just saying "I'm a Christian".for their actions will speak much louder than those 3 words.
2006-09-20 16:16:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In Eze 11:19 God talks about giving you and me a new heart, and taking the stoney one out, when we ask Him He will give us A new heart that is a new mind the mind of Christ, He lived A perfect life and will save you from yourself by giving you so when you do what you would do you will be but doing what God would have you do if you will ask, For God "SO" loved you that He gave His only son so that if you will BE-LIVE in Him you shall not perish but have everlasting life, free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com, its simple if you love Him keep His commandments if you do not love Him enough to keep His commandments you won't be there, God bless you.
2006-09-20 16:14:16 · answer #11 · answered by wgr88 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋