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Originally posted by scottishinnzThere are two ways of looking at good works. One way is by looking at doing good works as being a sacrifice we should be patted on the back for. Another way of looking at good works is simply doing what is expected of us for being considered a descent human being. If I choose the later perspective, I would be condemned for my "attempted" good works. They would be considered pathetic to say the least.
I wasn't aware that Christians held the monopoly on doing good things.
From the Christian perspective, God enters you and changes your heart. He gives you the desire for good works, thus, good works become more of a symptom of being a believer rather than what causes you to be saved. This is because all good things come from God and if he is in control of your heart good works should naturally follow more often than not.
Originally posted by EcstremeVenomAs I said before, I am all ears. For example, what kind of outreaches does Islam have? What type of outreaches do Hindu's have? What type of outreaches do Jews have? What type of outreaches do atheists have? I am not asking because I don't believe there are none, rather, I am geniunly curious.
i was just wondering why the subject is Christianity, and not other religions. why is it always Christianity, do people here just not like it?
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Originally posted by kirksey957Are you sure they won't hate me because I'm decidedly agnostic and have found inner spiritual peace with that?
It's OK, Darvlay. I know that there are many fine atheists on the site ready to reach out the right hand of atheistic brotherhood to you.
Originally posted by mrstabbyI agree these charities have indeed helped, but there are plenty of secular charities providing the same services and I don't think they fill a position that could not be taken up by others, were they to cease.
Oxfam, Christian Aid, Tearfund, World Vision etc
Originally posted by StarrmanIf this was the point of your original question, than I second your sentiment. There is nothing that comes to my mind that a Christian charity offers that a secular chairty cannot perform equally as well - both functionally and morally. Christian charities merely couple their charity work with doses of evangelism.
I agree these charities have indeed helped, but there are plenty of secular charities providing the same services and I don't think they fill a position that could not be taken up by others, were they to cease.
Besides charity and missionary work, I can't really think of anything else that Christians offer to make the world a better place. If anything, they merely stifle scientific and social progress with their archaic ideology. The same goes for Islam, too.
Originally posted by darvlayChristian charities merely couple their charity work with doses of evangelism.
Doesn't this make them, all other things being equal, worse, since they could be seen to be putting people in need into "spiritual debt" by helping them?
The same goes for Islam, too.
And for most modern secular morality, almost all political ideologies and most basic human motivations.