This answer to another question here struck me:
//"Happy" is a very shallow goal for life.//
Okay, *why*? And why do conservatives, Christians in particular, so often decry "feel-good" rhetoric or what they call "If it feels good, do it?"
Pain is a message to the mind from the body--why not pleasure?
We're created to feel pleasure--do you think God gave us extra junk when we were given taste buds, certain lobes of our brains, etc.?
As a person with chronic clinical depression, I have worked *very hard* to be happy, and I'm proud of both the journey and the result.
And I take more evidence that there's a good creator from this happy baby bear than anyone who tells me there's something bad about feeling good:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/somesay/247796560/
What do y'all think?
2006-09-21 03:48:01 · 8 answers · asked by GreenEyedLilo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
because their misery loves company, it's that simple. there's been times where i've been depressed also, but after so long i just woke up one day and told myself: I'M DONE! i don't want to be sad anymore, life's too short and how i spend it is all up to me. i'm glad you're happy and feel good, we need MORE of your energy in the world.
oh and "happy" is the best goal for life!!!
2006-09-21 04:45:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
People seem to think that you can't allow yourself to be TOO happy in this life or you'll miss out on the chance for eternal happiness later. They equate some of the things that make people happy with "sin" which is acting against God's wishes. However, since no one has ever spoken to God (and if you think a 2000+ year old book written by bronze age nomads is a valid source of information get your head checked) then no one really knows what he does or does not want (if he even exists). So, I say, as long as it's within reason, as in, killing people doesn't make you happy, and so on, go ahead and feel happy. Don't let others tell you that you can't or shouldn't be either.
2006-09-21 11:10:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, I am a Christian. Many Christians tend to misinterpret the passage that talks about how the (my paraphrase) "...hypocrites pray with big long prayers so that their fancy words will be heard by everyone...they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to God in privacy." This is one example. Other examples involve fasting, giving an offering, pretty much anything that can gain recognition. They couple this hypocrite having their reward here, with "not laying up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Unfortunately they put these two verses together into a false dichotomy stating that we will get treasures EITHER here OR in heaven. As they opt for the heavenly treasure, that means they can not receive reward here. Thus, to be rewarded with feelings of happiness, or personal wealth, or a good position at work, or lots of friends, or a nice home...would be to miss out on something in heaven (because of the false dichotomy...it can't be both, to many Christians). It's just too bad that Solomon, Job, Abraham, and several other people who were blessed by God on earth...will be receiving very little reward in heaven. Hmmm...
2006-09-21 12:39:49 · answer #3 · answered by Guvo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that the pursuit of pleasure is at least selfish if not foolish. One of the problems in our society today is that mindless pursuit and the inevitable consequences that come from making "feel good" decisions today that end up in painful realities.
2006-09-21 10:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by zero 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
our journey should be one filled with pain and pleasure .. bad and good
only when we have experienced a little of all can we know the difference between them
i am so happy you have came through what you have ....
i am happy you are happy
because you deserve it .. we all do !
love to you xx
2006-09-21 10:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Peace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible says ,a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. On the other hand it also says, to rejoice with those who rejoice and to morn with those who morn. I think balance is the key.
2006-09-21 10:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That panda is freakin' adorable.
Happy is a good goal.
Happy makes everyone around you feel better, and that is a beautiful thing.
2006-09-21 10:51:46 · answer #7 · answered by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I AM SO HAPPY!
2006-09-21 10:50:13 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋