2007-02-27 12:30:18 · 13 answers · asked by Contemplative Monkey 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Or would that, by definition, not be altruism?
2007-02-27 12:32:43 · update #1
No. You should do good things because it's good. Where you go after death isn't certain. You do good things because it gets you in touch with your own divine spark while you're still alive.
I've known people to do "altruistic" things just to keep up appearances. They wanted to look moral and have a good reputation. But the recipients would find it pretty sour if they knew what was really going on. It's not fair for recipients of good deeds to possibly find out that a good thing was done for the wrong reason.
It's not like it totally cancels it out, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Personally, I usually do good things because doing bad things makes me feel too guilty and associated with evil people and things, which is uncomfortable. Religions often don't mention that the real reason to be good is so that you can live with yourself. "Evil" things separate you from the good in the world and in yourself. I think evil people are either really unhappy, or totally delusional about being happy.
Being good is good for you. So it's a little selfish, yeah. But it still counts as altruism.
2007-02-27 12:38:55 · answer #1 · answered by SlowClap 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Illogical. (How many read your details before answering)
You have set up at least three conflicts inside of your question.
The self serving attempt to reach heaven by doing good deeds in other peoples interest. OK. Then is the question of such an act being "genuinely " moral.
Well Done, Let me buy this round.
later
: personally it matters little if their acts are moral. genuinely moral, altruistic or self centered. If telling them that they can get to heaven by doing good stuff to each other works, then great. Too bad it seems to be such a failure.
2007-02-27 20:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by U-98 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do altrusistic things because I know that what goes around comes around. I've seen karma work nearly instantaneously both ways.
Walking down the street smoking a cigarette in Orlando back in the day, homeless guy comes up, "Can I get a smoke?" Well, I just bought that pack, I could have easily said, "Sorry, man, last one." But no, "Sure can, have three." He wanders off, I walked into one of my favorite bars, (didn't go very often, I live an hour away...) they're lacking vital ingredients for their wonderful grown-up milkshakes.... (machine was down...) I get two free drinks.
Was sitting around outside a laundromat with a friend who was doing her laundry. Watched two girls steal someone else's clothes. As they leave the laundromat, clothescart tips over, all the clothes go everywhere, detergent bottle flies open. Big laughs and loud comments about karma biting one's *ss.
I do the right thing because it's right. Morals allow people to live together in a thing called civilization.
2007-02-27 20:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe so. A genuinely moral person does altruistic things without really giving them any special thought.
2007-02-27 20:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by papricka w 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We Christians do not believe we are saved by good deeds; you cannot buy your way into heaven with altruistic acts. But we do believe that if you a true disciple, then the Holy Spirit that dwells in you will prompt you to do good. So it is not as simplistic as trying to get into heaven. But we do try to be like Jesus and live by His teachings, for their own sake.
2007-02-27 20:37:35 · answer #5 · answered by Amalthea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO...........You cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless you have been born of the Holy Spirit and continue to serve God faithfully and endure in your faith to the end. It doesn't matter how good you think you are or how others perceive you to be, you are nothing but filthy rags In your sinful state and cannot look upon the face of God. Just being a genuinely moral person without having Christ in your life will not get you anywhere in the eyes of God, but Satan will have a good time with you!....... If you reject His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you reject the Father. And if you reject the Father, He will reject you. Your soul will see it's ultimate destruction...... That I can guarantee you.
2007-02-27 20:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by SLEDGE 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a atheist I still do live by a moral code and try to help my fellow man for selfish reasons it makes me feel good
2007-02-27 20:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by John A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long answer short.Paul says we are saved by grace and NOT by works..lest any man boast.
We do good things because we are saved not to get saved.
Paul also said it is a gift from God(one cannot earn a gift,you only have to accept it.).
2007-02-27 20:35:13 · answer #8 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. You are right, it would be quite the opposite of altruism.
It seems unheard of for many believers, though. Their moral compass comes from a work of fiction. This might explain why.
2007-02-27 20:34:54 · answer #9 · answered by Me, Thrice-Baked 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Morals and getting to heaven have nothing to do with one another. Doing what is right doesnt get you there.
2007-02-27 20:33:45 · answer #10 · answered by John 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋