Do you assume a person follows a religion because they have certain morals?

Question

Another question that was up had me thinking about this and why some Christian groups are so against Pagans doing charity publicly. Does my making donations to local charities mean I am seen as a "good Christian"? Or does my being pagan invalidate any good works I do simply because of my faith? Opinions are welcome. Bible thumping is not.

Answer 1

I think that ultimately, the compassionate works of others are one of the ways in which the love of whatever Gods may exist is made manifest in the world.

So no matter what your religion or lack thereof -- good works are important, and are valuable in and of themselves.

In Neo-Paganism, at least from what I've seen, people tend to choose the religion based on their pre-existing moral code: because Wicca, for example, makes intuitive sense to their own instinctive ethical system.

As for Christian groups that are against Neo-Pagans (or plain old Pagan-Pagans) doing charity work, I think they need a good sharp reality check. Common sense tells us that the minimization of suffering is a desirable thing, no matter what the source.

Answer 2

Well, I've had people assume I was a "good Christian" based upon things I've done - though whether that's based on assuming religion due to morals, or just assuming that most folks in the country are Christian, I'm not too sure.

I know some people assume that I have bad morals, or am antisocial, simply because I'm Pagan - that I'm a bad person morally simply due to my religion. Personally, I consider that to be laughable, since being a member of a particular religion is a poor marker for whether or not I'm a good person.

I don't think that a person's religion should invalidate what acts they make. Certainly, I'd expect someone to be grateful if you helped them, no matter what your religion.

I'm not sure why others would get cranky about Pagans doing charity works, though I can see two primary reasons. The first is, simply, that they think Paganism is bad, and therefore don't like anything that paints Paganism in a positive light. The second is somewhat related - they think Paganism is bad, and don't like to hear about anything that might cause them to rethink their position.

Answer 3

No, not necessarily. I know a lot of GOOD people that have GREAT morals.. but aren't religious at all. They do it for the love of mankind.

Just because you donate to a charity, it doesn't make you a Christian at all. I'm a Christian and I could never donate to a charity at all and I'd still be one and be saved. The Bible doesn't tell us that we get into Heaven if we give enough money or doing enough "good deeds", it tells us that believing in CHRIST and Christ alone, is what gets us there.

You sound as though have very hateful feelings towards Christians. I'm really sorry if someone hurt you in that way. There are many people out there who claim to be Christians and say/do things in the name of Christianity that isn't right. I know that's what kept me away for so long. I truly hope that you find the peace and love of the true one and only Lord one day.

Answer 4

Well theoretically, according to Christian doctrine, doing good works is less important than believing in Jesus as your savior. The only way to salvation is by accepting that he "died for your sins" and you can donate until you're poor as dirt and old and grey but it won't make a lick of difference if you're not "saved".

The psychology could certainly be twisted to say that you, as a pagan doing good works, are simply trying to seduce innocents over to your side by presenting yourself as a good person who cares about his or her community. When in reality (according to paranoid Christians) you're simply Satan's minion trying to convert the masses by pretending to be a good person.

So in a sense, your good works ARE invalidated because of your faith.

I suspect another reason some Christians don't want pagans publicly doing good works is the fear that exposure to your beliefs will convert their youth.

As for the morality portion of your question, I'm a firm believer that morality is 100% relative, and as a result is entirely subjective and influenced by culture as well as faith. So to a certain extent, yes you can assume someone is a certain faith because of their "morals"

For example many Christians believe homosexuality is "immoral" as a result not of the cultural morals, but the theoretical religious morals they hold dear. However I would be the first to submit that just because a person is "moral" (i.e., they don't kill, steal, rape, etc.) doesn't mean they're religious, nor is religion necessary in order to have a "moral compass".

Answer 5

Good people are just good. That is all. Some people do good because of their beliefs. Some people choose belief systems because of what they have seen done by others. If you are pagan and you do nice things I would say you are a good pagan. I do not understand how you can be a good Christian as you are not one. Peace be with you. Love Everybody

Answer 6

No, I think they have morals because they follow morals. And why would any body be against anybody else of any group doing God's work even if they don't believe in God?

Doing good deeds is half the part of getting to heaven, even if you are pagan. So you're charity is not invalid and it shouldn't be. Anybody who says otherwise is just trying to get you to believe their religion.

Answer 7

I have known some very good, kind, generous people who were not particularly religious at all. They just liked to be helpful, and didn't do it because they were trying to be Christ-like. I think they have an inner goodness, and I think that the worth of their souls is as great as anyone else who performs acts of charity.

Answer 8

the christians hate the fact the we no thay stole santa day from the pagans and thay hate that fact that the world nows and it scews up there christmas