People of all religious faiths, including humanism and atheism, are welcome to give their views. I'm looking for ideas about enduring happiness, rather than a transitory emotion, and for an explanation of how your faith in God, humanity, or nothing makes enduring happiness possible.
2007-09-08 08:12:26 · 13 answers · asked by Bruce 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think happiness is a choice we make. We can choose to make being "happy" conditional upon something or someone else ("if I had a lot of money, I'd be happy ... if he would just ask me out, I'd be happy ... if I have a baby, it'll make me happy ... if I just had a better job, I'd be happy ..."), or choose happiness regardless of external circumstances. Conditional "happiness" depends upon an emotional response, but happiness is not just an emotion triggered by endorphins; that's euphoria.
The apostle Paul gave us the key to happiness, actually, although he expressed it in terms of contentment -- which is probably more accurate:
"... I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)
2007-09-10 05:50:12 · answer #1 · answered by Clare † 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is being at peace with yourself and your surroundings to me. As a Christian I know I am a child of God, I know he loves me so much he died for me on a cross, that gives me a warmeth in my heart that has no words to explain, by God is supernatural and he created the universe, wow, that gives me great comfort, knowing that thru Christ I can do all things, he my protector and guide thru life, His word, the Bible, says the only way to Heaven is by faith in him, Jesus says except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of Heaven, and when you get born again which I did many years ago, it is a peace that you cannot explain, if you would like to be born again and have that peace in your heart you can do so right now, just pray a simple prayer believing in Jesus and the Bible, just say, Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. If you have any questions just send me an email, you have just chosen the path that is true happiness, without faith in Jesus, there is no such thing, but with him, all things are possible, God Bless YOU!!
2007-09-16 13:39:40 · answer #2 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel a deep peace and calm knowing that I have God "in my corner". Just knowing he's there when I need someone to talk to is Awe inspiring and a complete joy in my life. I lost my parents at a young age and God is like having the most awesome and wisdom filled Father at my side to get my answers from. God also punishes me when I do something wrong and also rewards me when I do good. This is just a perfect way for me to be accountable for my actions. The punishments hurt but the rewards are awesome.The fear of God is in me, I fear that someday he won't be there for me.
2007-09-09 08:25:52 · answer #3 · answered by Allan C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the religion/philosophy of Buddhism - the Truths are the Four Noble Truths and the Way/Path is the Noble Eightfold Path.
In The Noble Eightfold Path The Buddha teaches that through mindfulness, compassion and wisdom people can maximize their happiness at various levels. For those who can not clearly see beyond the happiness based on sense pleasures, he offered sage advice for avoiding worldy troubles and for finding optimal worldly happiness. For those with higher ambition to be reborn in blissful realms, he explained just how to accomplish that goal. For those interested in reaching the greatest happiness-the highest goal of full enlightenment, he taught how to achieve it. Whichever kind of Happiness we are seeking, we effectively make use of The Noble Eightfold Path of The Buddha.
Many who wish to effectively learn this Way/Path utilize this Website on The Noble Eightfold Path By Bhikkhu Bodhi:
http://www.beyondthenet.net/dhamma/nobleEight.htm
-Metta to all.
2007-09-08 16:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by McLeod 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is the natural consequence of righteousness. It is peace, love and freedom. Happiness is not about fleeting moments of pleasure. It's constant and enduring. It's bigger than ourselves and cannot be achieved through self centeredness or self indulgence.
Freedom is not about doing whatever we want. It's about controlling our desires and our behaviors so that we are not trapped by the outcome.
2007-09-16 10:27:30 · answer #5 · answered by atomzer0 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't necessary connect for me.religion and faith,I mean.I am a catholic by religion but don't adhere strictly to the church but my faith in Jesus Christ,and Almighty God sees me thru.I know I couldn't endure day to day without believing in God.
It does bring me happiness and peace to go to church or even sit alone in the chapel.for me I just feel like I need this and would be lost w/o it,FAITH.
2007-09-08 15:23:57 · answer #6 · answered by susan e 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a good question and I want to see the answers it generates. Because I don't see any simple answer. In my experience being spiritually aware brings with it suffering as well as peace.
2007-09-09 07:02:33 · answer #7 · answered by skip 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Happiness, for me, comes with moments of peace - those times when you realize things are exactly what they are supposed to be: beautiful.
My religious faith (I am Catholic) makes me happy for it is the source, for me, of many such moments.
Enduring happiness comes from realizing, ironically, that happiness itself is fleeting. Moments - including moments of happiness - do pass. But united to God, who is timeless and ageless, we will be able to be bound permanently to every happy moment there has been.
2007-09-08 17:17:17 · answer #8 · answered by evolver 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Converting to Catholicism.
Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be;
even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church'' Ignatius of Antioch, 1st c. A.D
,
2007-09-09 02:45:20 · answer #9 · answered by cashelmara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feeling Free
The real Truth has set me free from all that Mumbo Jumbo.
I just do the best I can, where & when I can.
2007-09-15 23:34:25 · answer #10 · answered by mw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋