Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site cbscd5.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!eagle!mhuxt!mhuxi!mhuxa!houxm!ihnp4!cbosgd!cbscd5!pmd From: pmd@cbscd5.UUCP Newsgroups: net.politics,net.philosophy Subject: Re: TC's altruism Message-ID: <299@cbscd5.UUCP> Date: Thu, 21-Jul-83 08:28:51 EDT Article-I.D.: cbscd5.299 Posted: Thu Jul 21 08:28:51 1983 Date-Received: Fri, 22-Jul-83 12:22:37 EDT References: <353@houti.UUCP> Organization: Bell Labs, Columbus Lines: 18 I don't think that Tom Craver's reduction of Christian teaching to altruism can be so easily done. Christianity is not purely altruistic. Sure it bids man consider himself a fallen sinner, but it also commands him to do something about it. I cannot say that I accept Christianity purely for God's benefit (What does it benefit an omnipotent God that I submit to him?) or the benefit of others. Much blessing and reward is given and promised. There is a delicate balence in biblical teaching between altruism and self esteem. Many who are Christians justify their selfishness and materialism with Scripture. (Haven't you heard Oral Roberts preach?). Others categorically condemn anything that benefits self. Both positions are out of balence bibically. Although pure altruism may not work for the individual in society, pure selfishness doesn't work either. Ayn Rand's gospel of selfishness cannot be accepted by everyone. Can you imagine everyone in society being a "Howard Roark"? (as in "The Fountianhead") Paul Dubuc