Post by moritz on Jul 19, 2008 8:09:20 GMT -8
I've realized, that selfishness is an ever reappearing motif on this board. To overcome selfishness seems to be one of the most important quests for a Christian. Selfishness as an antagonist of love gains a special meaning in Christian reasoning as far as I understand it.
Well, I'd like to throw in a thought on selfishness.
1. I don't think selfishness is per se something bad. Sure, if you only think of your own benefit you are acting against your social environment. You're likely to be quite unpopular and suffer from considerable disadvantages because of your rejection. Already from this follows that he, who knows what's best for him, won't only think of his own advantage to begin with. I don't think there is any human act we can think of that doesn't include a considerable amount of selfishness. Even when we decide to die for another person, we wouldn't do it if our cost-benefit calculation was negative. And love? I think that love is one of the most demanding things existing. It is also one of the most generous things existing. How's that possible? Well, love is big
Just to get one thing straight: I'm well aware that some acts are selfisher than others. But I challenge you to find any decision that doesn't involve egoism.
2. And another thought: I've learned that Christianity says: "love thy neighbour as yourself". Doesn't that imply that the more you love yourself, the more you can love thy neighbour?
Well, I'd like to throw in a thought on selfishness.
1. I don't think selfishness is per se something bad. Sure, if you only think of your own benefit you are acting against your social environment. You're likely to be quite unpopular and suffer from considerable disadvantages because of your rejection. Already from this follows that he, who knows what's best for him, won't only think of his own advantage to begin with. I don't think there is any human act we can think of that doesn't include a considerable amount of selfishness. Even when we decide to die for another person, we wouldn't do it if our cost-benefit calculation was negative. And love? I think that love is one of the most demanding things existing. It is also one of the most generous things existing. How's that possible? Well, love is big
Just to get one thing straight: I'm well aware that some acts are selfisher than others. But I challenge you to find any decision that doesn't involve egoism.
2. And another thought: I've learned that Christianity says: "love thy neighbour as yourself". Doesn't that imply that the more you love yourself, the more you can love thy neighbour?
