"A man's ethical behavior should be based on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. If people are good only because they fear punishment and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
This is a quote of one of the smartest men ever to walk the planet: Albert Einstein.
It is good to know that I have been paraphrasing Einstein for quite some time without even knowing it.
2007-09-10 02:33:18 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes I have heard it and he wasn't the first. many ancient philosophers had similar ideas.
2007-09-10 02:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by discombobulated 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's probably some of the best words of wisdom I've heard in a while. Look, I'm a Christian, but the problem with my religion has nothing to do with the beliefs, but the people. The whole reason everyone hates Christianity is because of the sermons, and we all know it. Look this isn't meant to be racist, and don't take it like it is. I have been to all kinds of churches, white and black. They both preach the same message, just different ways. At the white churches, they give an ultimatum, be a Christian or it's fire and brimstone for you. They cry and complain about their own sermons, almost as if they hate their own religion. At the black churches, the preachers have soul, and they enjoy their religion, and everyone in the audience does to. They are Christian because they love God and appreciate what He and the Son did, they are not Christian because they fear him. Look at it, it makes sense. Have you ever seen a black man that was a Satanist or a Pagan?
2007-09-11 05:12:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have heard the quote before. Einstein is great.
I happen to think that we should do the right thing and have integrity because it is the right thing to do...not because of any fear of punishment. For myself, this all results from having a measure of humility and knowing that i am not the center of the universe and it is my job to be the best that i can be while helping others who are struggling on their paths.
blesslings
)o(
2007-09-10 02:45:17 · answer #3 · answered by trinity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Albert Einstein may have been one of the smartest men on the planet, but not smart enough to recognize the need for God in his life. Religion may not be necessary, however it is a great motivating factor because we show the love of Christ for them by our love and concern for them also.
gatita_63109
2007-09-10 04:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by gatita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smart quote from a smart man. And in my experience and observations, it seems that we are mostly a sorry lot indeed. The only thing that keeps most people in line is a fear of punishment.
2007-09-10 02:41:49 · answer #5 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for pointing out that you can have a brillant mind and still miss the entire point of life.
My life as a Christian is not based on some fear of punishment or hope of reward...........it's based on a real relationship with God through Christ. I have a pardon and am not worried about "pleasing an angry God."
I agree that it would be sorry to live your life that way.
"The fool has said in his heart that there is no God"..............
You don't have to be smart - you actually need to be childlike. God didn't leave out anyone........
2007-09-10 02:41:13 · answer #6 · answered by fanofchan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea well, that's a pile of crap.
If you want to know the gruesome stuff our ancestors did before monotheism came along then read some ancient roman/greek/muslim accounts about barbarian tribes.
The reason atheists are currently so moral is to tell off believers how incredibly good they are without any reason whatsoever. That will dissipate pretty quickly. Just give it some time, "humanist atheism" will be an afterthought.
2007-09-10 02:40:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-04 07:51:41 · answer #8 · answered by monte 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good quote....Was Einstein always ethical in his actions? Guess that is up to the individual to decide
2007-09-10 02:39:13 · answer #9 · answered by chico2149 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait a minute - a Christian's ethical behavior is NOT primarily motivated by fear of punishment! It is motivated by the love of God, realizing how much we have been forgiven of and simply - out of gratitude - sharing it with others.
god bless
2007-09-10 02:40:33 · answer #10 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have heard this quote. Didn't Einstein help create the atomic bomb? I am sure the folks in Hiroshima or Nagasaki would be glad for his empathy...
I am not a Christian because I fear punishment or hope for reward; indeed, I am easily the least in the Kingdom.
I follow Christ (or try to) because I believe He is God.
2007-09-10 02:38:53 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋