Do you consider the work of the saints as egoism or altrusim? and why?

Answer 1

Depends on the "saint" and the work. Mostly, I would guess it's both.

We have some inherited traits, including our tendency for group bonding. That includes having compassion for those in our group and enmity for those outside of it. Altruism comes out of that. It is a way of sacraficing ourselves a bit for the sake of the group. So, we all have this propensity for altruism in us. Some have it more than others.

However, we all have ambition and volition, too. Again, as part of the group dynamic, there is competition and group order. It makes us strive to get ahead and achieve our goals.

When it comes down to it, though, nothing we do is purely altruistic or ambitious. Those feelings can't be separated out like sorting socks. All of our thoughts mix and feed off each other, and none are easy to categorize.

Answer 2

Mother Theresa was no saint, read:

The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice by Christopher Hitchens

Why do you think it takes 50 or more years to determine if someone was a saint? It seems convienent that all his/her peers are long dead and cannot dispute anything that is said about them.

Answer 3

I'd say altruism. When you do things without a reward in this life and you are saving it for Heaven that's the truly "saintly" way to do things. Egoism is trying to get praise for things here and now.

Answer 4

Consider Mother Theresa, who was just recently "sainted."

She did not own anything of any material worth, and dedicated her life to comforting sick and dying people who also had nothing of any material worth. Who else would spend even five minutes of time holding the hand of an absolute stranger, as they were dying?

Answer 5

God judges their life; we account for ours and ours alone; only God knows what is truly within someone