Is Christianity really a completely selfish religion?

Question

I am talking about the theory...the very core of it.

I am talking about the theory...the very core of it.

Only doing something because you expect a reward in this life or the next is selfish.

How can Christianity be self-less love? It is all about saving ones self from the worst possible scenario? In order to be a Christian you must be willing to forsake everything right?

My point is every action from Christianity is based on receiving a reward later on, which makes it not self-less?

Answer 1

Well I would say that some people are selfish. But when you really think about it, the people are who make up the religion. So you could be correct in saying that Christianity, at times, is selfish.

The same thing can be said about any religion. Buddhism can be consider selfish because people try to free themselves of desire in order to reach Nirvana. Nirvana is the reason they want to free themselves, therefore it is selfish. Every religion has it selfish parts. What you really must look for, is the ultimate achievement. In Buddhism, it is said that in order to reach nirvana, one must even rid him/herself of the desire to obtain nirvana. I think the ultimate achievement of Christianity is to worship God not because you seek a reward, but because you love him with all your heart soul mind and strength. Completely 100%. In order to do this, one must surrender him/herself completely and give up all desire.

Answer 2

no. some christians may be selfish, but the core of this religion is being selfless. because christians are suposed to see a little bit of god in every person, friend or enemy because god is the creator and god is love and if we come from him then somewhere in us, no matter how bad we come across, there is love. if the son of this god would give his life for his people, then where is the wrong in that. the point is that because we give we do not expect reward, but it comes anyway. we aren't forced by god, or hurt by god, or even made by god to do what is right..but going with him is a good choice. I am catholic, and i do the right things that everyone else does and no more but when i do something good i dont think "yes 20 more good things and im on a straight path to heaven". i think wow i canged that persons life and for that i am ever thankful that i am lucky enough to have a home and parents and pets

Answer 3

The local homeless shelters here are run by churches. So are the free medical and dental clinics, the free clothing distributors (this includes winter coats for children whose parents can't afford them), the groups that aid refugees, care for the dying, and more. Completely free meals, Thanksgiving dinners, free Christmas presents, free school supplies, free health care and more are handed out by the churches every year. How are any of these things selfish? These people aren't getting paid for their efforts, and nine times out of ten, they don't even get so much as a simple "thank you", so the motivation of an ego stroke isn't it. Maybe somebody, somewhere is doing it with the idea of a future reward, but most Christians who practice charity do it for the same reason as non-Christians: we see somebody who is in need, and want to lend a hand. It's not about some pie-in-the-sky reward, but about helping people here and now. As for the core of Christianity being selfish, I'm not quite sure what you're driving at. Teaching people how to effectively practice charity and social justice is not, to me, a selfish thing. Nor is the theological concept of a Savior who died to redeem all mankind (not just the wealthy, not just the politically advantaged, not just celebrities, but everyone, which puts both the rich and poor on equal footing). Christ died for the elderly and homeless as much as for any king or queen. I'm not sure that I see the selfishness in such an act.

Answer 4

I don't think all Christians are selfish. If anything the beliefs *themselves* are about being unselfish. The problem is that too Christians go into it for self-serving reasons and become intolerant of people on other paths. I thank the ones who have been there to help me, even if I don't agree with some of their perceptions personally. If they are willing to pray for me knowing I am in need but not one of them, I thank them for that energy. The ones who think others with a different mindset must be going to hell, their attitude I could do without. That is the height of selfishness to think one's chosen path leads to the only gate of heaven.

Answer 5

Just the opposite. The core of Christianity is self-less love. Selfishness is equated with evil.

Answer 6

If it was then Christians would risk their lives to deliver the gosples to save people from sin.

If it was selfish form the core, then the fundemental essense of the religion would be based on God sending His only Son to die for the sins of the world.

Answer 7

IS the Christian religion all about personal salvation?

I submit that it is not.

The Christian "goal" (if you will) is to uplift fellow humans in their struggles and needs and to do so in unconditional love.

To me this is Command Number 1. the Christian "prime directive."

If I personally will not accept the idea of a God who uses negative reinforcement as motivation, I don't believe I can use POSITIVE reinforcement either. This concept seems to be beneath God, at least as I see him/her.

Which, therefore, in my mind, refocuses my motivation to love in the here and now. It goes far beyond the act of being "born again." Giving love without expectation is the single highest aspiration that any human can have.

To love without expectation is God's call to us. Not the "promise of salvation."

Challenging idea, ain't it?

peace regards respects

Answer 8

Yes, but i do not think all of the christians are selfish, just the religion its self.

Answer 9

Every action that has a reward is inherently selfish

Answer 10

No, but some Christians are selfish people. Not all of them are.