A New Union

[Python]

Felix, why do you do all of those good deeds?

[ppanther]

Ditto Python's question.

Felix, I didn't really intend to piss you off, and I didn't really imply that you don't contribute to people in need. I wasn't trying to be self-righteous, I was replying to your statement that you were skeptical about what people did with monetary donations. Good for you, if you help people out.

I really hate to play "what do you do for people/what do I do for people", because as Christians, we are supposed to do good works quietly. If I say something like, "Look how good I am because I did such and such," then you would be right to question my motives. I will give you some examples of things we do and have done, but only because you asked. Please understand that I am not "bragging" about any of this, and I often feel like I should do a lot more than I do.

(snip)

I am REALLY not comfortable sharing all of that -- in fact, when I know you've read this, I'm going to edit it out. But you asked. I really don't feel like I do enough.

[Felix]

Ditto Python's question.

because it's the right thing to do, and doing it gives me a great sense of satisfaction (my whole "leave the world a little better than the way you found it philosophy)....my parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility and were the type that would help out a total stranger without hesitating.....I am a reflection of them and hopefully I've instilled that same sense of duty in my children....I know that some of it has rubbed off, because of what they do of their own accord to help others out.....not because they expect something from it, but because they too know IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO....

you might find it interesting that both of my sons are devout christians

I am REALLY not comfortable sharing all of that -- in fact, when I know you've read this, I'm going to edit it out. But you asked. I really don't feel like I do enough.

why not? You should be proud to be able to say that you do for others without expecting something in return....I'm like you, I wish I had the time to do more, but I do what I can.....there's nothing to be uncomfortable about in sharing your personal sense of responsibility (for whatever reason) and panther, you just went up about 100 points in my book.....thanks for sharing it

[Python]

Felix, would it be fair to say that, in your opinion, if a Christian does good works in response to their love of God and wanting to pass on that love to others, said Christian is brain washed or lame or deluded in their thinking?

[ppanther]

why not? You should be proud to be able to say that you do for others without expecting something in return....I'm like you, I wish I had the time to do more, but I do what I can.....there's nothing to be uncomfortable about in sharing your personal sense of responsibility (for whatever reason) and panther, you just went up about 100 points in my book.....thanks for sharing it

You're welcome.

The "why not" has several answers. First, if good works are done quietly, the motives cannot be questioned. (And you did question motives earlier in this very thread.) Second (but really first), the Bible actually tells us to do them quietly. It's not to make us suffer or feel bad, it's really just to keep our motives pure. I'm not saying that everyone who speaks loudly about their good works is bragging, I'm not questioning their motives... but it's true that humans are prideful by nature, and it's possible to take just a little too much pride in helping others. I don't consider "good deeds" to be above and beyond what is expected of me -- I think they are a responsibility. Which is probably why I feel like I should always be doing more. "To whom much is given, much is required."

One thing I will say about giving -- it does feel good, even when it's done quietly. But I don't need others to know about it in order to feel good. Another thing I will say -- I think that kind of giving is the key to real happiness and joy in life, whatever a person's beliefs may be. Giving also never hurts quite as much as it seems like it will. It's really interesting how it works.

[Felix]

Felix, would it be fair to say that, in your opinion, if a Christian does good works in response to their love of God and wanting to pass on that love to others, said Christian is brain washed or lame or deluded in their thinking?

Of course not...but if their doing it strictly because they think it's going to get them additional brownie points with his holy invisibleness and get them a better seat in eternal glory, then yes, I think they're seriously fucking deluded.....

thankfully, I'm of the opinion that those types represent a relatively small minority of christians, but no doubt they exist because I've met them.....

[Python]

I don't consider "good deeds" to be above and beyond what is expected of me.

Absolutely. And remember, they are still "filthy rags" as far as that's concerned. I have to keep that front and center in my mind all the time.

[Python]

if their doing it strictly because they think it's going to get them additional brownie points with his holy invisibleness and get them a better seat in eternal glory, then yes, I think they're seriously fucking deluded.....

Awesome. Me too.

[Python]

Awww, who am I kidding. I don't do jack for anybody.

[ppanther]

but if their doing it strictly because they think it's going to get them additional brownie points with his holy invisibleness and get them a better seat in eternal glory, then yes, I think they're seriously fucking deluded.....

Well, it is also made clear in the Bible that no one can "earn" salvation. Anyone who thinks they're earning extra points by doing good works is deluded. However...

When a person decides to try to live as God wants them to, their hearts are transformed. You can be skeptical of that all you like, Felix, but it's absolutely true. It's the transformed heart that wants to do good works, just because. It's really hard to even type this correctly, because it's really hard to fully grasp the concept, so please give me some lee-way here. A Christian does not have to do good works to earn salvation... but a Christian who is truly saved will want to do them anyway.

[Felix]

A Christian does not have to do good works to earn salvation... but a Christian who is truly saved will want to do them anyway.

I can agree with most of that...just not the whole "salvation" thing...but hey, if they want to believe it and it makes them better people then who am I to question it?

note to python, I'll bet you do a lot of things for others that you just don't recognize

[Johnny Bold]

Luke 17:20-21

Carry On

[Felix]

Tens of thousands of Christians have been ecstatically martyed whilst singing praises to the Lordy.

and islamo nut bags have joyfully cried Allahu Akbar as they pulled the detonator on bombs they had strapped to their asses....there are lots of people that are seriously fucking deluded

that doesn't negate the fact that survival is the most dominant instinct in almost every living thing on the face of this planet....

[Johnny Bold]

I can see how spirituality is able to transcend the concept of mortal death.
From a mortal stand point - this sad place would become the unholy disaster if to many of it's occupants were to ever lose their dominant instinct for mortal survival without the true guidance of the one an only G-d of Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness.

Peace

[Shlomart Ben Yisrael]

I can see how spirituality is able to transcend the concept of mortal death.
From a mortal stand point - this sad place would become the unholy disaster if to many of it's occupants were to ever lose their dominant instinct for mortal survival without the true guidance of the one an only G-d of Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness.

Peace

Welcome back, toughlove.

[Felix]

Of course you attempt to twist, spin, deflect and move goalposts when cornered like any other rat.

it's my OPINION douchebag, if you don't like it, go fuck yourself

[Mikey]

it's my OPINION

Sorry, not allowed w/o a link.

ELIMINATED

[Shlomart Ben Yisrael]

it's my OPINION

Sorry, not allowed w/o a link.

ELIMINATED

You're on fire these days, Mikey.

:twisted:

[Felix]

it's my OPINION

Sorry, not allowed w/o a link.

ELIMINATED

dude, I was ELIMINATED the first day

[Johnny Bold]

Welcome back, toughlove.

It was not possible to convert your password when updating this bulletin board’s software.

Anyhooch - Define back...
...and tks for what could be taken as sentiment, Red.


To be enamored with ones own shadow, unaware of the setting sun - or not to be.

[Mikey]

it's my OPINION

Sorry, not allowed w/o a link.

ELIMINATED

You're on fire these days, Mikey.

:twisted:

Must be my new prescriptions kicking in.

[Shlomart Ben Yisrael]

Must be my new prescriptions kicking in.

Viagra?


x 1 000 000

[Mikey]

Must be my new prescriptions kicking in.

Viagra?


x 1 000 000

Ever tried posting while on Viagra?

You should. I can be quite revelatory.