Stephen T-B

When a Christian performs a kindness, it is done with the intention of getting to heaven.
When a rationalist performs a kindness, it is done with the intention of alleviating distress
Does it matter, as long as the kindness is performed?

David Mathews

Hello Stephen T-B,

David: The only thing that matters is that people are behaving in a kind manner. May the day come in which all people -- theists and atheists alike -- are kind to everyone else, drawing no distinctions between people and doing no harm to anyone.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

Talon

Why don't you start us off Dave? Why don't you send me $5,000? That would be really kind of you!

TALON

[ July 31, 2002: Message edited by: Talon ]</p>

Talon

[ July 31, 2002: Message edited by: Talon ]</p>

David Mathews

Hello Talon,

The check is in the mail!

Best Regards,

David Mathews

Talon

Well, that all fine and good but WHERE THE HELL DID YOU SEND IT?


TALON

wildernesse

Do you think that this is always true? Could a Christian be kind just to alleviate distress? I would think that a kindness done just with the thought of getting to heaven/looking good for God would probably not be very kind--because kindness begins in the heart of a person, not in the mind.

Would you squirm if someone was kind to you and you found out that person was a Christian? Why?

--tiba

Not Prince Hamlet

Strictly speaking, if you believe in egoistic hedonism (which I do), every good deed is ultimately is done for a selfish reason. The real difference is how removed you are from the payoff.

For instance, "I helped the old lady cross the street so I can get into heaven" has an immediate payoff.

Meanwhile, "I saved the boy's life, because it was the right thing to do, because he would have died without me doing it, which would have made me sad" has a slightly more indirect payoff (avoidance of being sad).

Therefore, I must agree that what matters most is that the good deed was done. Motives are important, but secondary.

Jeff

Eudaimonist

Just as a Christian might have the motivation of alleviating distress, so too may a rationalist have an egoistic motivation, in whole or in part. (N.B. I'm not a psychological egoist, so I don't think egoistic motivations are inevitable.)

Yes, one's motivations do matter, primarily to the course of one's own life. I see this as ethically relevant.

[ July 31, 2002: Message edited by: Eudaimonist ]</p>

CX

I disagree with the premise. According to the Xian mindset, one is saved simply by virtue of being a Xian. No further action is required. No purchase is necessary. Your results may vary. Consequently I think most Xians do kind things for the same reason as anyone else. I imagine it's part altruism and part making oneself feel good for having dones something nice. But even if that weren't the case I submit that motivation for kindness is irrelevant. Kindness is kindness regardless of intent and increases the overall "good".