Can Someone Familiar With the Bible Help Me Out?

[Chairboy]

I find troubling the idea that the impetus for donating money to someone who needed it would be that you might get something in return.

When I give money, it's because they need it and I have it to give.

I see parallels in other aspects of religion too.  For example, christians/jews/muslims are ordered to be good people and do good things so that they will receive a reward (heaven, paradise).  They are admonished that if they do bad things, they will suffer the flames of hell.  

Is the punishment/reward element really the indicator of strong moral fiber?

[storch]

Originally posted by Chairboy
I find troubling the idea that the impetus for donating money to someone who needed it would be that you might get something in return.

When I give money, it's because they need it and I have it to give.

I see parallels in other aspects of religion too.  For example, christians/jews/muslims are ordered to be good people and do good things so that they will receive a reward (heaven, paradise).  They are admonished that if they do bad things, they will suffer the flames of hell.  

Is the punishment/reward element really the indicator of strong moral fiber?

actually Christianity is about grace, umerited favor.   it's about taking God at his word.  not at all about being good.  no one is good not even you chairboy.

[Chairboy]

Originally posted by storch
no one is good not even you chairboy.

It's true, your religion says that nobody is good.  I decide not to share in that collective error.

Your religion also suggests that the only way to be good involves worshipping some guy.  I'd argue that actions speak louder then words.

[StSanta]

Originally posted by Chairboy
I find troubling the idea that the impetus for donating money to someone who needed it would be that you might get something in return.

When I give money, it's because they need it and I have it to give.

I see parallels in other aspects of religion too.  For example, christians/jews/muslims are ordered to be good people and do good things so that they will receive a reward (heaven, paradise).  They are admonished that if they do bad things, they will suffer the flames of hell.  

Is the punishment/reward element really the indicator of strong moral fiber?

It keeps the unthinking in line and that in itself is a good thing.

I care less about people's motives than I do about the consequences in this case.

But to give you my answer to your question: true generosity is giving without receiving a reward. Or giving despite being given  a punishment for doing so. If it is for reward/not getting punished, you're not giving; you're bargaining

[storch]

Originally posted by Chairboy
It's true, your religion says that nobody is good.  I decide not to share in that collective error.

Your religion also suggests that the only way to be good involves worshipping some guy.  I'd argue that actions speak louder then words.

 you've been wrong before.  in this case you are wrong with unfathomable consequences.  (see st. santa's post re consequences)

[Chairboy]

Originally posted by storch
you've been wrong before.  in this case you are wrong with unfathomable consequences.  (see st. santa's post re consequences)

Super dooper, thanks for contributing.

Anyhow, back to the subject.  I can see the allegorical value of the story the original poster was looking for, but I want to mention how it translates to me: "Be nice to people, because the person you're being nice to might do something nice for you."  Is this an accurate summary of the intention?

[storch]

Originally posted by Chairboy
Super dooper, thanks for contributing.
 

ever been to mexican restaurant when fajitas are served up?

[GtoRA2]

I am not a Christian, but I was at one point (forced to go as a kid, and didnt start having an issue with it untill Christian school).

I am not anti Christian, and I do not mind our country beingbased on it for the most part. As long as we do not start passing religious laws it is all good.


Still, looking at the exhange between Storch and Chair it reminds me how some Christians can be pretty counter productive in the ways they present themselves.


Storch, you in effect told Chairboy he is going to burn in hell, that is a very good way to sour him on Christans and Christianity.  You may believe it but its kinda rude to say.

My mom is very religous, she also has had 14 back surguries. Some "christian" ***** told her all her back problems are because she must be a bad sinner.  I had to walk away.

My point here being some christians do way more harm to their cause then good, by being judgemental *******es. (I am not calling you a ******* Storch, you were fairly mild)

[storch]

no I didn't I was changing the subject to a somewhat related topic.

[Holden McGroin]

Originally posted by beet1e
Hmmm, some Porsche drivers have distorted values.  

What's the difference between a Porsche and a porcupine?  A porcupine has salamanders on the outside.

[TweetyBird]

>>Anyhow, back to the subject. I can see the allegorical value of the story the original poster was looking for, but I want to mention how it translates to me: "Be nice to people, because the person you're being nice to might do something nice for you." Is this an accurate summary of the intention?<<

Thats what I got. That or an angelic sting. Undercover angels?

You'd think you give something to someone because you genuinely care about them and not to manipulate what people think about you or score brownie points in the next life. I think if one is forever learning in this universe, one day they will genuinely care and give for the sake of giving. But if this life is just a short pop quiz to decide where you spend eternity, I guess I'm in trouble.