So, this is about what I call 'the coercive bargain' theory of Christianity. Needless to say, it's an idea I thoroughly reject. If you are a parent, you do not demand your children's love because you will only do good to them if they comply, and you will torment them unmercifully if they don't. Similarly, if you love God, and your neighbour, you will do good unto them because you love goodness, and need no other justification. If you need some promise of reward to get you to believe and to do good, what is left is a mere transaction. And if you believe the alternative is eternal torment, goodness is reduced to some petty, tawdry insurance policy against that. And it's counter productive. For who would really love a parent who inflicted their power thus?
Virtue, it is said. is it's own reward. Pursue it, then, for it's own sake.
Best wishes, 2RM.
Virtue, it is said. is it's own reward. Pursue it, then, for it's own sake.
Best wishes, 2RM.
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