Ribs posted: I was born and raised as Muslim, and since 12 years of age I was never happy with the religion thing altogether! Not even thought of converting to other religions. Just found religion plane stupid.
Hello, Ribs.
You mean "
plain stupid."
I suspect one could easily find those who would state the same about those who do not have faith.
I never harmed anybody or anything and never had evil or bad intentions towards humans or animals..... Never even stepped (on purpose) on Ants or Spiders just because I could, although I have seen many kids then do it! And always disgusted me!
That is good.
But why not?
And would you say "religion" or "no religion" plays any real factor over a person's desire to do or not do harm...or step on ants
I find religion and religious people selfish entities and I find that unacceptable!!!
Similarly, would you say
only religious people are selfish?
I think most religions people do good deeds not because they want to help others, but just to to go to heaven,.... they help the poor to go to heaven,..... they don't steel from others not because it is wrong to take something that does not belong to them, they do it just because they are afraid of hell and they want to go to heaven.... I find that very selfish and mean!!
Well, I can't speak for other religions, but in Judaism the purpose of performing mitzvot (G-d;s Teachings for ethical human behavior, aka "good deeds") is (1) G-d commands it and (2) it is the appropriate way to live and get the most joy out of Life. "Heaven", as in the reward "
personal" salvation is not a Jewish concept. The focus in Judaism is
tikun olam ("reparing/perfecting the world" under G-d by living per His
mitzvot)< That is "
world" salvation, mot personal salvation. The emphasis on the "
we" not the "me".
Thus on selflessness not selfishness.
What actually bothers me now, is that people go to schools and universities and study maths and sciences and graduate and (many of them) are still brain-washed!
Bothers? Or confuses?
There is a difference.
I'm a medical physician. For me, my faith complements my learning and inspires me to do as much good as I can and comforts me in times of helplessness and futility. It makes richer my sense of Purpose and brings me contentment and peace in providing a contect for Life and our humble place within it.
Religion says: if you do that you will burn in hell for ever, if you do that you will go to heaven! Not because that is wrong or immoral? No it is always about what gain or benefit one can get!!! I think religion teaches people to be selfish! That is that!
There is no "Hell" in Judaism.
The purpose of religion is to be a guide to how to live life well and righteously.
Some, many, have need of such a guide.
Others may be blessed with being
inherrently humble, patient, compassionate, and giving.
I submit one's choice of faith or no faith is irrelevant.
Only one's deeds and behavior toward others can define one as an ethical, righteous, and relatively "selfless" human being.
Respectfully,
History
Topic: Most Religous People are Selfish Bastards!