How does your belief rule on this? The most important concerns in any religion are godly virtues and our...?

Question

I propose that the most important concerns in any religion are godly virtues and our relationship with God.

How does your belief rule on this?

Thanks for the sincere efforts to answer this question. Godly virtue relates to the legs of Dharma, the foundation of all higher human relations.

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Of course, godly virtues can be in three modes. To harm one's self or to harm others is in the lowest mode of ignorance. To act viruously for the sake of name and fame is in the mode of passion. To act virtuously selflessly and for the sake of the Supreme is in the mode of goodness, the highest mode.

I am mentioning because there are so many religious beliefs in the world and we need basic guidelines to understand all beliefs.

Answer 1

Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami in Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita;

“One’s relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, activities in terms of that relationship, and the ultimate goal of life [to develop love of God]—these three subjects are explained in every aphorism of the Vedanta-sutra, for they form the culmination of the entire Vedanta philosophy.” Adi-Lila 7.46

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu continued, “The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the central point of all relationships, acting in devotional service to Him is one’s real occupation, and the attainment of love of Godhead is the ultimate goal of life. These three subject matters are described in the Vedic literature.
Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila, 6.178

A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON(International Society for Krishna Consciousness) sheds more light on this below.
It is such inquiry that begins the Vedanta-sutra: athato brahma jijnasa. A human being should be inquisitive to know who he is, what the universe is, what God is, and what the relationship is between himself, God and the material world. Such questions cannot be asked by cats and dogs, but they must arise in the heart of a real human being. Knowledge of these four items—namely oneself, the universe, God, and their internal relationship—is called SAMBHANDHA-JNANA, or the knowledge of one’s relationship. When one’s relationship with the Supreme Lord is established, the next program is to act in that relationship. This is called ABHIDHEYA, or activity in relationship with the Lord. After executing such prescribed duties, when one attains the highest goal of life, love of Godhead, he achieves PRAYOJANA-siddhi, or the fulfillment of his human mission. In the Brahma-sütra, or Vedanta-sutra, these subjects are very carefully explained. Therefore one who does not understand the Vedanta-sutra in terms of these principles is simply wasting his time.

Answer 2

The problem with that belief is that there is allot of contention to what Godly virtues are. If you are focused on the OT you will come to the conclusion that God was wrathful and eliminated unbelievers. That is a Godly virtue established time after time in the OT. So go get em.

If you are a Muslim and are taught the same then you strap a bomb to your chest, go to the mall and kill children in the name of God.

Regarding relationships, it is difficult to establish a relationship with someone who doesn't talk directly with you. What usually ends up happening is people assume a relationship exists, and then assign 'God" to everyday events. For instance I might pray for health and then find out I have cancer. God must have plans for my tumor right?

Answer 3

My thoughts are that there is no such thing as a godly virtue. Virtue is independent of authority. Morals are subjective. Virtues are not.

Godly morals allowed for the slaughter of many people in the Old Testament. Virtue would not have allowed that no matter what any authority figure said.

Answer 4

I believe Christians ought to strive to be Christ-like and that we need to continue to have a "right relationship" with God in order to remain 'saved'

(so yes to the 'godly' virtues concept --- except I believe in ONE God only, there is no room for any other idol) Also, if I might also stipulate I do not consider godly virtue condoning murder/assasination, & hate to others who may/may not have the same beliefs as me.


(so yes, to the 'relationship with God' aspect of your question.)

Answer 5

My belief says that religions are harmful, creating rules and regulations as a means of control not institued by Father God or Jesus Christ. Doctrines which indicate how worship is conducted and mannerism of believers is considered by Peter and many of first century writers, to be sinful and destructive to early churches. But Jesus warned us about the wolves and we didn't listen.

Answer 6

properly, it type of feels to flow without affirming that in a faith, the biggest issue is the very rationalization for that faith. i do not see the way it will be in the different case. i don't think of too many faiths could posit the existence of an all-efficient being then have a holy e book more often than not about prices of activity.

Answer 7

How sad that a certain religion practices indiscriminate killing every day in Iraq and calls it a godly virtue.Well over hundred killed by "young and dumb" suicide bombers yesterday. I wonder if the dead consider it a "virtue" too but I doubt it.

Answer 8

relationship comes first. i build on closeness to God,surrendeing daily.the godly virtues come as my relationship with him grows.im a work in progress. i try to be (workable)you know? willing to change as he teaches and leads me.
i believe alot of people practice godly virtues without relationship to God .even other christians.To what avail?if our righteuosness is but as filthy rags to him. If i could please him only with my works ,what need have i for JESUS? his sacrifice?I can not please him with my works if my heart is not right,he wants total submission so he can work in and through me.All that is good in me comes from him.

Answer 9

sounds like a personal problem to me

Answer 10

As a catholic my belief is that it is vary important.