We help others only because we want to please God and go to heaven. Is that not selfish? Shouldn't helping others come as a result of true love and concern for others' sufferings?
Believers, answer this.
2007-04-24 09:01:52 · 14 answers · asked by Nidhogg 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A man's ethical behaviour should be based effectually on sympathy, education and social ties. No religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.
- Albert Einstein
2007-04-24 09:07:52 · update #1
Christians don't care about anyone. They only act good, and follow god because they want to go to heaven.
SELFISH!
2007-04-24 09:16:21 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I do not follow a religion, I follow God. Yes, we want a reward after death and that is actually what we are told to work toward. It's called storing up treasures in Heaven. It may start out selfish but a funny thing happens after you invite Jesus into your heart. You start to become a different person. Not that we aren't sometimes selfish or mean or ugly. We are after all forgiven not perfect. But for the most part we continue to do good because it makes God happy. And for me at least if I can make God happy then I am happy. After all I was created to love, worship and seek God. It is a humans true purpose in life.
2007-04-24 09:20:41 · answer #2 · answered by Sylvia G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is selfish. Thank heaven my church doesn't teach anything of the sort. We help people in order to relieve their earthly sufferings, and because it's how Christ taught us to behave. It's not as if we're expecting some divine scorekeeper to give us a lollipop in the afterlife for every act of kindness and human decency. If a person only performs charitable acts for the hope of a future reward, then that person has got problems. And what kind of person, religious or otherwise, looks at the sufferings of others and then walks away?
2007-04-24 09:07:31 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with God the father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. Doing good to others is what comes from the heart of love and is not selfish to give it away, as a matter of fact we are commanded to deny ourselves and to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbour as much as we love ourselves. We are to lay down our life for the brethern if need be and this act is the same as Christ did for you and me and to all the world. This love is called "Unconditional Love" and without it we all would be hopeless and guilty before a Holy God but God gave us Jesus and now we have it all both in heaven and in earth so let's give it away..
2007-04-24 09:13:33 · answer #4 · answered by *DestinyPrince* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't do what I do in hopes of reward after death. Jesus addressed this when the disciples argued about who would be the greatest in heaven - Jesus tells them that the least among them would be the greatest, the one who serves others! He pointed toward loving others.
We love God because He is love and demonstrated His love for us. Because of grace, we are able to love Him and to love others, no matter how selfish or dark our hearts may have been.
To tell you the truth, oftentimes, I don't want to help those in need. I'm too concerned with my own life. But again and again, God shows me that I need to be concerned about others and that I need to love others - even the "unlovables."
Its hardly selfishness to deny your nature and to help others. Its called love.
2007-04-24 09:20:32 · answer #5 · answered by TWWK 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Glad to. Our only prerequisite for going to heaven is accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. We do good out of love and gratitude for the One who saved us from hell. Christ pleased God for us with His sacrifice. Now God is pleased with us because we have believed in His son. We are not obligated to do anything for God, hoping He will reward us. Our reward is already set. It's eternal life with Him. No chance of condemnation or punishment.
2007-04-24 09:14:02 · answer #6 · answered by singwritelaugh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I am christian and we dont do good just to go to heaven we believe in our hearts and know that jesus is the son of goe and died for us all but I dont know many people who are truthful and do good
I think its a little selfish doing good just for a reward those types of people are called conventional peple who only do good things because they hope to get something in return= )
2007-04-24 09:10:47 · answer #7 · answered by Cymone J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We could make a list of selfish things. How about mixing politics and religion? Better yet, how about the folks who don't "notice" that. Now, that's selfish.
2007-04-24 09:07:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no true love without God. You don't know the definition of love unless you love like Jesus did. Who do you pattern your love after? Romeo and Juliet.
2007-04-24 09:12:11 · answer #9 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who is we? Don't group everybody together as one. I'm sure some people do good deeds out of love for their saviour and/or love of humankind and not for a "reward."
2007-04-24 09:09:50 · answer #10 · answered by beattyb 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both reasons are right...
- we want to be rewarded in heaven..
- We have love & concern for others..
2007-04-24 09:10:27 · answer #11 · answered by Redeemed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋