Why are Christians so selfish?

Question

All christians care about is going to heaven.
They do good and dont lie, cheat steal etc...because they want to go to heaven.
Why not just do good. Don't lie, cheat and steal because you know its wrong. Why do u need a reward for not doing those kind of things?

Answer 1

i dont follow my religeon for a reward of heaven or threat of hell personally ... i have a desire to do right and make peace and serve God ..

Answer 2

I'm not a Christian; I'm a Pagan. Over the years, I've encountered some Christians who do behave in the way you describe. However, they've been in the minority.

Most decisions of right and wrong are made on the fly, so to speak. People don't pause and do a quick check to determine how a decision will affect their odds of celestial ascent. They hold a door open because it's kind and they don't want it to hit the person behind them. They do good things all the time simply because that's the way they want to be.

Of my friends, I'm in the religious minority. Most of them are Christians, spanning the range of denominations from Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and others. Some are Muslims, as well. Add them to my acquaintances and most religions that offer some sort of eternal reward are covered.

I have never seen any of them do a good deed with an eye to getting enough points to get into a heaven. They've just made choices between one act and another based on their own ethics.

I think Christians who only care about getting into heaven are actually in a minority. Think about how carefully some people lock their car doors, clean their houses or exercise. If people actually followed a meticulous "get into heaven" policy, we wouldn't even know about it. Their "turn the other cheek", "love thy neighbor", "do unto others" behavior would never let anyone know why they were motivated. Only the ones who think pridefulness in their affiliation to a degree of unkindness let others know why they behave the way they do. They're not Christians; they're Jesus groupies.

Answer 3

Christians are people too. They have all the temptations that non christians do. I became a christian after I found out my wife was cheating on me. It did not help. They are supposed to live a life bringing people to christ. I was dissapointed that being a christian does not solve everything. But, I will say that being a christian gives hope to the future. As for being selfish, I do not know that that is the correct characterization. Most christians give at least 10% of their income to the church. How much do you give away? Plus most christians give time. Investing in other peoples lives by helping out their fellow church family members especially the one who need financial assistance as well as the odd job. Even for what I went through, I never in my life felt so whole as a person as when I gave my free time to helping others including maintaining the church grounds. As for going to heaven, I believe there is one. I will say that I spent a great majority of my life afraid of death, but since I came to know Jesus, I fear death no more because I know I will be saved whe the time comes. My earthly body will remain no more, But my soul and eternal life will be granted. It sure beats dying with no hope. Wait, There is that word Hope again. Good luck to you. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and your life will change for the better. It also helps a person to realize that stuff is just stuff. Remember, dont be a slave to debt because you cant take it with you.

Answer 4

If ya want some background on the concept try reading Martin Luther's Treatise on Good Work. Luther outlined 4 different groups of people in how they see the Divine. Surprising as it may seem, there was once a christian that did see in something other than black/white.

In the 'lowest' group, Luther defines a debase form of people that have no internal compass when it comes to morality. They desparetly NEED a religion to tell them what they can and cannot do.

In many ways, Christianity demands that ALL people be included in such a group. Then they can teach that ONLY through Christianity can one really be moral and 'saved'. Christianity wants its practioneers to be 'children of god' or 'lambs god'. Orthodoxy doesn't like exceptions or OTHER examples, they desparetly NEED the sterotypes, set definitions to simplify reality for their 'children'.

Christianity does dangle the 'cookie' of salvation as a reward for good deeds, but you don't have be to good since they have their 'bloody lamb' to clean up all the ickie things that they do do.

Answer 5

And when did God appoint you as our judge? I guess for you judging other people is ok since that's something God tells Christians not to do, and you don't fall under that title, huh? You know I could say the same thing about you. Maybe the only reason you don't lie, cheat, and steal is to avoid going to jail.

Answer 6

Dear Jolie,

i think you have the wrong idea about what Christianity is all about. Christianity is not just about going to heaven- and regardless of any personal feelings or beliefs you may have-- Christians do not do good deeds to get to Heaven.

Their salvation is not something they can earn- it is a free gift fro God. When a Christian receives God into their life- they begin to follow God and God is a god who doesn't cheat, steal, and more than anything loves people! And Christians imitate Christ and do their best to do that.

Actually Christians are taught to give of themselves for other people- and so selflessness rather than selfishness ought to characterize a Christian. That's why Jesus came down from heaven to die on a cross for sin. And if being a Christian is being Christ-like Christianity in all-actuality teaches the opposite of what you are suggesting.

My hope is that you will come across Christians who show God's love and are selfless and not selfish. i actually know very few people who call themselves Christian who often talk about going to Heaven or seem to think about that often-- Christians focus on loving God and loving people. They aren't saved by their works and so any person who calls himself Christian and thinks that he has to "earn his way into heaven" by doing good things or avoiding bad things- misunderstands the gospel that Jesus taught.

Hope that helps. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 7

It is obvious that you do not have an understanding of the Christian faith. Christians do not do good things to get to heaven. The Bible clearly states that man can not get to heaven through his or her own works. Christians do good things out of love and respect for God and for his creations...including other people. We are called to behave in a way that shows others who and what God is. He is the epitomy of "goodness".

Do you realize that even though you are not Christian, that even you seem to have a basic knowledge of right and wrong. God has ingrained that knowledge into his creations...including you. It is called conscience. It is only when man allows Satan to become an evil influence that man goes astray. For example, have you ever seen a child that is born evil? It is the same today as it was in the time of Adam and Eve. We are perfect in God's eyes until we allow Satan to influence us.

Answer 8

"They do good and dont lie, cheat steal etc...because they want to go to heaven."

Who told you this? They lie and steal just as much as anyone else. The crappy part about them is they think they can do what they want because a belief in a human sacrifice will magically justify them. But I agree, Christianity (and Islam for that matter) is all about getting your enormous butt into heaven and nothing more. Bah!

Answer 9

All men are selfish. That is why we need a Savior. And you dont KNOW what all christians "care about" unless you ARE one.

What we DO has nothing to do with whether or not we go to heaven...NEWS FLASH. The ONLY people going to heaven are those that realize that its what Christ did FOR THEM that allows them entrance into heaven. God allows the righteous to enter there, and the ONLY ones who fit that criteria are those who have accepted Gods GIFT of righteousness provided at the Cross by Jesus Death, burial and resurrection.

Any person who believes can have forgiveness and the gift of righteousness that God provides.

Thats why its called GOOD NEWS!

I am not sinless...but I DO sin LESS from understanding who I am IN HIM and that He has given me a NEW identity thru believing in His Sons performance on the Cross...NOT on MY performance here.

Answer 10

That is an easy one. American Christians are selfish because Americans in general are selfish. This is a capitalistic society that seeks to consume most of the worlds resources.

Do you have selfish ways that you need to repent of? Have you shared your time, talent, and treasure with those in need? Trust Christ today and confess your sins before Him and trust in Him for your salvation today.

Answer 11

why are you saying this about all Christians, I do the things I do because I follow my heart and feel very quilty when I do anything other. I go out of my way to help people because I myself have been treated badly growing up, have went without food, etc, and dont wish for others to suffer like I have. does that make me a selfish person?