Our Goal

[40oz]

Good i'm glad, if I dont show love, at least theres humor.

I hardley ever agree with anything you say but you're definatly one of my favorite posters. I just don't know why. I guess I admire your commitment to your beliefs.

40oz Reviewed by 40oz on 05-23-2007. Our Goal is to leave this planet, solar system, universe and existence in a better place than when we came into it. The question is what does "better" mean? Rating: 5

[PureEvil760]

I hardley ever agree with anything you say but you're definatly one of my favorite posters. I just don't know why. I guess I admire your commitment to your beliefs.

i'll take that as a compliment, and heres a post to you: I will tell why you dont know. It is because in your deep subconsious, you already know what truth is, but consiously deny this truth. Even if you did believe me, it would'nt matter because understanding has nothing to do with enlightenment.

[delusionsofNORMALity]

And frankly thinking you've come into this world without obligations to those around you and those you love is ignorant and sad.

what is sad is to aid those around you and to do what is right just because you feel obligated. we should be able to improve life for those around us merely because it is right and we enjoy it, not because we feel we should or through fear of punishment.

this is one of the problems i have with religion, this carrot and stick mentality. in most every religion the adherents are punished for their evil deeds and rewarded for their good works, led like sheep into a lifestyle that should come naturally. whether the punishment is eternal damnation or merely the withholding of favor, it is still fear that leads the religious to do the right thing and while living in the shadow of that fear they may never be able to make that leap to the next step in their ethical evolution and know the joy of real unfettered giving.

[hazetwostep]

delusions... having grown up in a christian family (dad a pastor) and having worked in fulltime "ministry" i can say you are so right (generally speaking cause not everyone is motivated by that). it would be so beautiful if good deeds were done out of compassion and love, instead of obligation, commandment, etc.

[Pass That Shit]

"whether the punishment is eternal damnation or merely the withholding of favor, it is still fear that leads the religious to do the right thing"

What "right" thing is it that they do? And why would you knock someone for doing the right thing? If someone does the "right thing", does their motivation really matter? I guess since it's associated with God, you'll even knock someone for doing the "right thing". I just don't understand your logic. I believe the bible because it's TRUTH not because of fear. Perfect love casts out fear.

[Rutledge]

Personally I don't like religion and I don't believe in god. Myself saying that you have obligations to those around you isn't a threat and it doesn't mean do or die. A wise man once said "complete freedom is complete responsibility" and I believe those are some of the truest words ever spoken. Our obligation isn't at the threat of fire and brimstone our obligation is out of basic human decency.

[delusionsofNORMALity]

.... our obligation is out of basic human decency.

i think we are both heading in the same direction, but what you see as an obligation or debt i prefer to consider as a choice. the repayment of a debt implies relieving one's self of a burden. a gift by choice is made purely for the joy of giving.

[PureEvil760]

Fear is a great spiritual tool, anything negative is only a tool.

[Rutledge]

i think we are both heading in the same direction, but what you see as an obligation or debt i prefer to consider as a choice. the repayment of a debt implies relieving one's self of a burden. a gift by choice is made purely for the joy of giving.

I use the word obligation instead of choice because to deny it is to deny those around you and create something of no worth. The word choice to me implies that no matter what you do you are right. I believe that we are all inherently good, but it doesn't mean every action we take is good.

[Rutledge]

Fear is a great spiritual tool, anything negative is only a tool.

The sad truth, and most are more powerful than goodness.