rumitoid

This has been hotly debated since Aristotle and probably before. A convincing but not overwhelming majority believe, over the intervening centuries, that humanity is incapable of selflessness. The matter is not settled definitively one way or another.

Now I am at a crossroads. I started another thread with a simple question as in this one and got lambasted for not providing my opinion on the subject: this was considered "baiting" for conflict. So, I feel somewhat forced to offer this: if altruism is not possible, the Gospel of Jesus is a lie.

DotsMan

Merriam-Webster Dictionary online version:
Altruism: noun
"feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness"

Google definition:

noun: altruism

the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

I believe that humans because of their "humanity", while they are capable of committing acts of "altruism" at any given moment, are not capable of living their entire lives without engaging in activities that are the result selfish motives. Mankind's lack of ability to achieve perfection in this, or any other attribute of his existence, is the reason that God chose His Son Jesus, who is a third person of the
"Holy Trinity"(God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (see John 1:1)) to be the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of man from the penalty of sin and secure his return to fellowship with God. Read John 3:16.

rumitoid

Excellent points, and I agree. Thank you.

rumitoid

Excellent points, and I agree. Thank you.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Do not misunderstand me, I do not necessarily disagree with you. But, let me give you food for thought. A person that is truly altruistic does not look for gratitude or acknowledgement, therefore most good deeds go unnoticed by the people outside of the immediate need to know individuals. Truly, those that do advertise their generosity is not following the laws of God, they are looking for some appeasement for themselves. Either more esteem within their group or family, for acknowledgement of their righteous from their church, or self glorification. So, I submit to you that if a person is truly following the laws or walking in the footsteps of Jesus, then we would remain in the dark on their charity and love toward their neighbors. If one is a keeper of the law, then loving others flow naturally and is not a point to brag about. One can not judge all people as not being able to always be altruistic. To use such a broad stroke for all of human kind is being very un-altruistic.

When one studies the bible, a familiarity of Greek and Hebrew is necessary. I am not implying that everyone become proficient in these languages, but a good dictionary would be of good service. Most Christians are not aware that the world t***slated as love actually was two separate words: agape and phileo. Agape love is described as being patient, kind, t***hful, unselfish, trusting, believing, hopeful, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, or angry. True love never fails. Phileo love is conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often t***slated "brotherly love."

To end this long response; a truly altruistic individual practice the laws of God and keep their good deeds private. Therefore, would it be a surprise to know that there are many people that are altruistic, but you just do not read about them or hear about their deeds?

One last thought. Do you really think that God or even Jesus would put stumbling blocks in our way to salvation? If you say no, then how could either law or Jesus ask us to do the impossible? Is it not written "Matthew 17:20 "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

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God exalts the humble but resist the proud.

dennisimoto Loc: Washington State (West)

If you're looking for daily examples of Altruism, try AA.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Can you go into details please? And, how do you know that the actions are truly acts of altruism?

grace scott

Ginnyt, I am so glad you are back. Some responses on here I enjoy, some I won't say what I think. I came on this site to learn, and from you I have learned a lot. I thank you.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Grace,

You are very kind to me. I am truly honored by your comments. I find your comments a refreshing view on many topics and you have left me many times thanking God for your insights.

Thank you again. I hope to never to be a disappointment to you or anyone.

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

rumitoid

I agree that " while they are capable of committing acts of "altruism" at any given moment, are not capable of living their entire lives without engaging in activities that are the result selfish motives." Yet there are those who would find that digging deeper, it was not really altruistic to begin with. However, as I stated at the opening, the whole t***h of the Bible rests on the existence of true altruism, and in that is the defining difference of Law vs. Grace.

rumitoid

Very nice and informative; you do have a flare for being clear and succinct, ginnyt. I would like to address this comment first: "So, I submit to you that if a person is truly following the laws or walking in the footsteps of Jesus, then we would remain in the dark on their charity and love toward their neighbors. If one is a keeper of the law, then loving others flow naturally and is not a point to brag about. One can not judge all people as not being able to always be altruistic. To use such a broad stroke for all of human kind is being very un-altruistic."

I agree and disagree with your above statement. For me, and the idea of grace put forth in the NT, "following the law" can never be altruistic: the very intent and effort necessary to do so makes altruism impossible. Why? True integrity of spirit is beyond intent and there is to be "no boast" in Christ: this is the crucial distinction between the Old and New Covenant. Being a "keeper of the law" cannot help but diminish or block the natural flow of God's love, for it is based on personal understanding, intent, and effort. This was the one and only thing that Jesus openly criticized as concerned the practice of the Chosen People.

rumitoid

Over thirty years, my friend.

dennisimoto Loc: Washington State (West)

August 19th, 1979.