On Compassion

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

tadoflamb said:
St. Luke tells us we are but 'unprofitable servants and only doing what we should be'. That's why this quote is such a major fail.

I'm not sure what lesson we can take from atheist charity when it also comes attached with the message, "there is no God".

Besides, I'm trying to count how many atheist food banks there are in my community. At this point, I'm up to zero.

Ok.

FlaviusAetius · Nov 30, 2015

tadoflamb said:
Well, the message I got was 'I'm an atheist. I do good because I want to. You got religion. You do good because your commanded to'.

I'm not in competition here. I'll just go ahead and admit, quasi-Buddhists and atheists are spiritually superior.

I hope they're happy now.

Any atheist or their lackey pseudo Christians who argue this likely prove the point that like everything else about atheists they only do charitable acts out of a sense of feeding their own bloated ego. Even if it's done in private, the individual gains a personal sense of being morally superior for their actions.

I would think an atheist who only cares about helping people would only want more to get involved, not use it to legitimize their godless ways.

And for the record yes I do agree Christians shouldn't just pray for someone and then not take action to help. That would make them like the Jew in the Good Samaritan parable. What I'm against is this notion that if a Christian and atheist both do the same amount of charity, the atheist is morally superior because they do it for personal reasons while Christians do it due to a command from God.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

FlaviusAetius said:
Any atheist or their lackey pseudo Christians who argue this likely prove the point that like everything else about atheists they only do charitable acts out of a sense of feeding their own bloated ego. Even if it's done in private, the individual gains a personal sense of being morally superior for their actions.

I would think an atheist who only cares about helping people would only want more to get involved, not use it to legitimize their godless ways.

And for the record yes I do agree Christians shouldn't just pray for someone and then not take action to help. That would make them like the Jew in the Good Samaritan parable. What I'm against is this notion that if a Christian and atheist both do the same amount of charity, the atheist is morally superior because they do it for personal reasons while Christians do it due to a command from God.

Were that the point of the story, I'd be right with you on it (although I would point out the story would be pointed at Jews not Christians).

FlaviusAetius · Nov 30, 2015

LoAmmi said:
Were that the point of the story, I'd be right with you on it (although I would point out the story would be pointed at Jews not Christians).

Considering the Rabbi says the meaning of the story, I'm inclined to believe that. However it's a very poorly worded lesson since the atheist for the Rabbi is an example of true compassion; which makes it sound like compassion from theists is done more out of wanting to please their God like a mindless unfeeling slave.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

FlaviusAetius said:
Considering the Rabbi says the meaning of the story, I'm inclined to believe that. However it's a very poorly worded lesson since the atheist for the Rabbi is an example of true compassion; which makes it sound like compassion from theists is done more out of wanting to please their God like a mindless unfeeling slave.

I think it's also a student trying to get a GOTCHA on his teacher. The man said that G-d created everything to teach us a lesson and the student goes "Well, what about atheists?!" and instead of dismissing the question the guy gives an answer to teach a lesson. Even if you don't like the method used, the lesson is the important part. That lesson being that we should help people directly. I think people are reading way too much into it and don't understand the environment.

One Voice Among Many1 · Nov 30, 2015

@LoAmmi, thank you for explaining the true story behind the OP story. You have given me insight that I am sure I would not have otherwise. I appreciate it.

FlaviusAetius · Nov 30, 2015

LoAmmi said:
I think it's also a student trying to get a GOTCHA on his teacher. The man said that G-d created everything to teach us a lesson and the student goes "Well, what about atheists?!" and instead of dismissing the question the guy gives an answer to teach a lesson. Even if you don't like the method used, the lesson is the important part. That lesson being that we should help people directly. I think people are reading way too much into it and don't understand the environment.

Sorry I have to disagree, what other context could there be to calling atheists an example of true compassion? As I said adding the word true implies that the other source of compassion from theists isn't as real.

In your defense, maybe the Rabbi could be calling atheists performing charity true compassion when compared to a Jew who will pray for you but not take action. That would make sense considering the explanation at the end by the Rabbi. If that's the case though I think Jesus worded this lesson better in the Good Samaritan parable.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

FlaviusAetius said:
In your defense, maybe the Rabbi could be calling atheists performing charity true compassion when compared to a Jew who will pray for you but not take action. That would make sense considering the explanation at the end by the Rabbi. If that's the case though I think Jesus worded this lesson better in the Good Samaritan parable.

That's exactly what the rabbi is saying. I can't even see how it's read any other way. But, again, I would bet a month's salary the translation is completely wrong.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

Book was originally written by an Austrian Jewish philosopher in German and then translated into English by someone named Olga Marx. Can't find any information on Olga Marx to see credentials or if she had a background with any of this.

Sword of the Lord · Nov 30, 2015

LoAmmi said:
I find it really interesting that the book this is being quoted from was published years after the listed authors's deaths. I'm starting to doubt this is an actual quote.

Atheistic agenda, and disgustingly, some Christians are quick to hop on board.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

Mikhael Disciple of Christ said:
Atheistic agenda, and disgustingly, some Christians are quick to hop on board.

UPDATE: Book was originally written by an Austrian Jewish philosopher in German in the 1940s and then translated into English by someone named Olga Marx. Can't find any information on Olga Marx to see credentials or if she had a background with any of this.

FlaviusAetius · Nov 30, 2015

LoAmmi said:
That's exactly what the rabbi is saying. I can't even see how it's read any other way. But, again, I would bet a month's salary the translation is completely wrong.

Glad that was cleared up, the story makes a lot more sense in that context. It honestly seemed strange to think a Rabbi would consider charity by a theist to be objectively inferior to an atheist. But using it as a lesson against inaction by some theists who use God as an excuse makes more sense.

LoAmmi · Nov 30, 2015

FlaviusAetius said:
Glad that was cleared up, the story makes a lot more sense in that context. It honestly seemed strange to think a Rabbi would consider charity by a theist to be objectively inferior to an atheist. But using it as a lesson against inaction by some theists who use God as an excuse makes more sense.

Yes, you could probably sum it up as "you should feel ashamed that you with a mandate from the divine don't help while these people who don't even believe are helping others". Just said nicer.

Fantine · Nov 30, 2015

As the original poster, posting something my husband's cousin, a Catholic, put on FB, I am astonished and flabbergasted at the controversy it has evoked.

All I could think of was, "What a beautiful story!" When I lived in NY, I had a very good Jewish friend, a teacher who is now deceased, and he was filled with this kind of earthy wisdom. We founded a Special Ed PTA together (my middle child had learning problems, which he overcame completely after getting the right kind of help). Our friendship and our wonderful conversations meant so much to me, and I was heartbroken when he died.

And when I saw this story, I thought of him--his wisdom, his humor, his common sense.

I also posted this because I have learned and been inspired by people of all races, cultures, religious faiths, and philosophies, and so when I hear that someone who thinks differently from me has done something wonderful, I am happy and uplifted.

I know politically conservative people who do wonderful things, and while it doesn't change my revulsion to their political beliefs, I admire and appreciate them.

How can this be so controversial?

Colin · Dec 1, 2015

Fantine said:
How can this be so controversial?

It's beyond me , Fantine .

Like you I found the OP a beautiful story .

It's a story , not teaching some dogma , but , like a parable , a simple story used to illustrate a moral .

Don't be deterred by the negativism , but keep up the good work .

benedictaoo · Dec 1, 2015

Fantine said:
It all comes down to this: Are you not inspired by the amazing amount of good that atheists and secular humanists do?

HECK NO!
I am amazed at how GOD ALMIGHTY can inspire even those who reject, doubt, insult, curse Him even, to do His will. It's God behind every good in this universe. All glory and honor is His forever and ever! STOP teaching these people who do not know anything about Christianity these errors that they can glorify themselves. You are spreading error, and it's not cool, fantine. You will answer for it one day. Why is this thread even allowed in here?

benedictaoo · Dec 1, 2015

Colin said:
It's beyond me , Fantine .

Like you I found the OP a beautiful story .

It's a story , not teaching some dogma , but , like a parable , a simple story used to illustrate a moral .

Don't be deterred by the negativism , but keep up the good work .

and 'beautiful' story that was spun from a political thread thinking we can do good without God. That's the point she is trying to make, that we can have an atheist, lip service to God only government and still do good, that we don't need God to be compassionate. We don't need God, that humanism reigns supreme. Threads are never about what they're about. There's always something else behind them.

benedictaoo · Dec 1, 2015

Fantine said:
As the original poster, posting something my husband's cousin, a Catholic, put on FB, I am astonished and flabbergasted at the controversy it has evoked.

All I could think of was, "What a beautiful story!" When I lived in NY, I had a very good Jewish friend, a teacher who is now deceased, and he was filled with this kind of earthy wisdom. We founded a Special Ed PTA together (my middle child had learning problems, which he overcame completely after getting the right kind of help). Our friendship and our wonderful conversations meant so much to me, and I was heartbroken when he died.

And when I saw this story, I thought of him--his wisdom, his humor, his common sense.

I also posted this because I have learned and been inspired by people of all races, cultures, religious faiths, and philosophies, and so when I hear that someone who thinks differently from me has done something wonderful, I am happy and uplifted.

I know politically conservative people who do wonderful things, and while it doesn't change my revulsion to their political beliefs, I admire and appreciate them.

How can this be so controversial?

I think it was posted to show on the fence persons humanism is where it's at in life.

benedictaoo · Dec 1, 2015

Fantine said:
I know politically conservative people who do wonderful things, and while it doesn't change my revulsion to their political beliefs, I admire and appreciate them.

well when the Demos become, not just against poverty and be truly pro life, pro marriage between one man and one woman and stop being for suicide... yep, stopping infanticide, suicide and gay marriage is enough to make anyone throw up, roll eyes.

Told y'all it was about politics. The God of atheism is politics.

benedictaoo · Dec 1, 2015

LoAmmi said:
Can I just say that the point of the story isn't "We don't need G-d" the point is that we shouldn't look at a needy person and tell them that we'll pray for them and walk away but that we should just go ahead and help them? The people who are screaming against it are missing what the story is trying to teach. It isn't even that atheists are good, in fact.

IN OBOB we need to be accused of just praying and not helping? Really??? I am very offended and insulted by the constant accusations and slams against Catholics coming from Catholics, that we just pray??? The Catholic Church is who tends to the needs of the world more than any government and I'm sick of the insults against Catholics and the Church all because the Church does not, will never be about abortion or gays marring.

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