2006-11-26 06:26:17 · 17 answers · asked by Carpe Diem 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In order to "be good," I would imagine that you are being judged by someone in accordance with a prescribed criteria to measure achievement. Therefore, being good by its own definition is to be successful. Therefore, a reward is a forgone conclusion in your premise. Fear of punishment would be the converse that was avoided by not being bad.
Who's standard of good are you referring to and does it apply to both of us? What if I do not agree with the criteria that quantify "good" behavior? Who is making up these rules again? Now that really begs the question doesn't it?
2006-11-26 06:36:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better to be good of your own free will, but it is good to have a respectful fear of God and know that he is the more powerful and has the power to punish and it's perfectly okay to strive for a reward.
2006-11-26 14:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by Julia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free will of course. Hoping for reward only shows that you are greedy and selfish. You can be afraid of punishment but of your free will shows that you care.
2006-11-26 14:35:15 · answer #3 · answered by Clarisse T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be good ,or not to be good is an free will of men.But in any way ,exists an motivation .
The believers, are good because of punishment and hope....and after thouse many exercise, mens will be natural, good.
Others good mens( because they have all they need)....and so on...
The existence of good mens who don't
know God,is a prouve that the rulles of God are written in the mens harts.God is Love.
2006-11-26 14:41:14 · answer #4 · answered by mirna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better to do it of your own free will, rewards will follow.
2006-11-26 14:33:28 · answer #5 · answered by trollwzrd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are beginning to come to the evolutional point where our conscious choice of doing right or wrong, is more based on our personal ethics, rather than from the push of religion. This is having effects on both ends of the spectrum, as we see more tragedy, as well, we are seeing more acts of good.
2006-11-26 14:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by Joe Carioca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there needs to be punishment & hope of reward because no one can motivated themselves to be at their best behavior under all circumstances
2006-11-26 14:29:49 · answer #7 · answered by mars 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free Will, is shows that you have matured as a person, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
2006-11-26 14:27:40 · answer #8 · answered by gilligan346 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am good, because I choose to be good for my own needs
2006-11-26 14:29:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man cannot "be good". All things done without Christ are sinful and only good can be done through Him. So, the answer is neither.
2006-11-26 14:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by blazer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋