...from the school of Stoicism? Just wanted to hear your thoughts and please try to be a little open-minded in your answer (I am remaining unbiased in my opinion):
"Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."
Thanks!
2007-05-03 07:58:13 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Quoted from Marcus Aurelius (sp?)
2007-05-03 08:06:48 · update #1
Works for me, especially as it predates Christianity and Islam.
2007-05-03 08:03:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Old Marcus knew what he was talking about!
What could be a better way to be remembered than have been a person who "lived a noble life"?
I do not believe in a god - but I'm sure that if I am proved wrong, a one worth worshipping will accept that I have tried to spend my life well.
Interesting that the people who have problems with it are the closed-minded Christians who would rather be Christians than live "a good life".
Thank you for this.
.
2007-05-03 16:10:00 · answer #2 · answered by abetterfate 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is also something in the Koran that says that if you wish to compete with other religions compete with good deeds.
In essence the recognition of the good and the beautiful and the harmonic is a reflection of spiritual qualities. After all there is no reason why in a competitive material world why these qualities would be recognised as desireable.
2007-05-03 15:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is one great quote! I completely agree.
Why should a God care more about our beliefs in a being that we cannot sense over how nicely we act towards one another and all other life on this planet?
2007-05-03 16:51:00 · answer #4 · answered by thomasgilboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DAMN RIGHT!
I have always thought that if there is a God (and I believe there is one) that it would not care what club you belong to or what name tag you wear. It would only care about how you live your life.
here are 2 more great quotes:
"Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone. Its evidence before the world is to be sought in my life: if it has been honest and dutiful to society the religion which has regulated it cannot be a bad one."
(Thomas Jefferson)
"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
(Thomas Jefferson)
Esther> Got to say that I don't agree with you that God would be interested if you are "christian" as long as you live right but it's cool that it's something we can debate.
2007-05-03 15:08:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christianity calls one to live an extraordinary life, to work to become a saint, to lose one's life to gain it.
God's great gifts of creation, life, and love deserve more gratitude from us than just trying to live a good life. We have a mission to help to bring about God's kingdom on Earth.
I think your Stoics' quote is a cop out and a call to mediocrity.
With love in Christ.
2007-05-05 01:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's pretty much how I feel. I live a good life, and if there is a god that actually exists and is worth worshiping then he will understand why I didn't believe in him and he will forgive me when I die. If there is a god that isn't willing to forgive me, then he's not someone that I would want to worship anyway. And since I don't believe in god I already think that when I die, I'll just die.
2007-05-03 15:04:34 · answer #7 · answered by photogrl262000 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Even at a low level it is obviously a statement of ignorance and therefore of no value.
What authority does he have for his opinion? None.
Shouldn't truth be sought?
Why should error and ignorance be deemed acceptable?
To take it up a level and bring culpability to such views -
God has revealed the truth.
Such views of ignorance and self reasoning now become highly offensive.
You too can reason, if God reveals the truth how offensive is it to Him if that revelation is not sort or is shoved by?
Condemnation will be just.
Even your reason should tell you that it is not acceptable to sit on the fence.
To support my argument I include a small portion of my authority which I rely upon (for who cares about one man's opinion?) and which claims to be God's word.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools ...
Thank you too.
2007-05-03 15:30:53 · answer #8 · answered by Judd M 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Excellent. Actions speak louder than words. Better a true and good Atheist, than a selfish, arrogant, blind faith fundamentalist.
2007-05-03 15:59:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I think living with nobility and integrity is its own reward in the moment. And lacking nobility and integrity subtracts from peace of mind.
This makes the existence of gods, judgmental or not, irrelevant.
2007-05-03 15:04:19 · answer #10 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋