I think you boys are missing the point...
I said, that 'people don't do bad things because of the consequences'. This is not just in relation to some eternal damnation. There are many who could care less about eternal damnation. Their own immediate happiness and peace of mind is their biggest
treasure. That describes me too BTW.
But... there are still the immediate political consequences. People wish to avoid the unpleasantries (in the here and now) of their actions. So for example, an affair is done in secret. Money is kept in a Swiss account, and other vices are done in secret, and the mask of 'goodness' is worn with subconscious habit.
Do you see the difference. It's a matter of getting away with the sin...
As for goodness...
A person may do good for the immediate political benefits (socially) which can be quite enjoyable, and
only for that reason. I think that is the most common. It pumps us up to be
seen and imagine in our minds all the good things people say about us. That is the one I am most readily tempted by. Putting on the mask.
Also, we reap the long term benefits of genuine community. We can get both out of doing good.
And a third benefit is, that sometimes the right thing to do is take your kids fishing... and it is enjoyable in all three ways.
But doing good, is not necessarily something that feels good. There are many responsibilities that do not
feel good. The long term genuine rewards come later. They are not selfishly motivated but simply dutiful and disciplined. This is my biggest struggle.
For example, sometimes the right thing to do is stop what I am doing and discipline my kids. They get out of control very quickly. But it does not feel good and is a distraction and pain in the rear. I'd rather be typing a response to some jerk at EVC and imagining how smart they all think I am. So I don't do it because it feels good, but because it is my duty as a father.
As for being a miserable person... more than I desire. I have to struggle against my own desire and I hate it. But what has happiness (in the momentary sense) got to do with anything? Shall I remain a slave to my feelings of 'happiness'?
For how long? An hour? A day? A month? Ten years?
What if the only way to freedom is suffering for a while? Pay now and play later...
Shall I play now and deny having to pay later?
If so, would remain a slave to doing whatever I feel like doing at the moment. The 'moment' is always 'now'... And that is what destroys community, communication, and peace. It is sin's enslavement of me...
This is autobiographical... So, I don't expect you to understand it. I don't think you can. You don't have these struggles.
You have already accepted the notion that you are 'good' because you do things for selfish reasons. And your scientific worldview reinforces that fact. And you've never really taken the time to seriously question otherwise. I mean, 'what's in it for you?'
You don't think, because it hurts your feelings to think. And as such, you remain a slave to your feelings, not understanding or asking why you do what you do, and endlessly seeking to keep the ball of happiness rolling to escape the pain.
For you, thinking is painful. Why ruin a good mood?
To understand why, you'd have to ask that question to the liar, murderer, adulterer, and thief...
But you are none of those things right?... so why bother?
Just have fun man... don't worry about this stuff.
If you keep trying to bury me, your going to become very bitter and mean. Just do what you think is right, and I'll do the same. That's what you believe right? The only catch is... that I believe doing the right thing is reminding you of
these things so that is what I must do.
So you Party On, Wayne... I'll be the party pooper!
You decide which of us is full of hate for the other...
™ Version 4.2