First, self interest is not automatically identical with selfishness. Self interest can and must include maintenance of the community in which one lives, just as housecleaning, though work, improves our level of comfort.
Second, self interest is subjective, and many people enjoy being altruistic. Christianity seeks to foster this in people in whom this motive is latent.
Oops, I'm making one more post tonight.
Atlas may have shrugged, but Achilles just wretched in agony, crippled by that simple observation.
Assertion Without Proof. There are few things more ludicrious than when someone denies a proven point by merely making a denial assertion. I know it would require you to actually think, but can you possibly stretch yourself enough to think about this statement? If you do you will see how wrong it is, if you cannot, it proves you cannot think, do not know the purpose of definitions, or simply are so brainwashed that logic is impossible for you. In any case, this is the second time you've presented me with an irrational post. If you can't put together a rational statement, don't post to me.
Self interest can and must include maintenance of the community in which one lives, just as housecleaning, though work, improves our level of comfort.
So what? This statement says nothing.
Second, self interest is subjective, and many people enjoy being altruistic. Christianity seeks to foster this in people in whom this motive is latent.
Most people are brainwashed into thinking they MUST be altruistic, have it crammed into their heads from their earliest moments (you must share johnnie! Bad johnnie, mustn't be selfish) which goes against the natural feeling of every human being. It must be literally pounded into them. There is no 'latent' natural altruism. Altruism is a method of psychological control. All the rest is after the fact justification.
If pressed, I think LogicWings would say that he's talking about compulsory altruism -- such as that which is inherent in the welfare state. Voluntary benevolent acts are no problem, and many make a great deal of sense.
First, self interest is not automatically identical with selfishness. Self interest can and must include maintenance of the community in which one lives, just as housecleaning, though work, improves our level of comfort.
Same issue as above. I might voluntarily give to support a school, or to establish a scholarship. One might give to suport medical research. Again, no problem. But when I'm taxed (forced altruism) to support welfare queens, I'm the victim of evil -- no other way to look at it. Also, while I'm on the topic of "voluntary" benevolence, if I've been brainwashed into believing that it's my duty to ignore my own needs so I can support welfare queens, I've been the victim of kooks.
Second, self interest is subjective, and many people enjoy being altruistic. Christianity seeks to foster this in people in whom this motive is latent.
Once more, voluntary benevolence is fine with me. But there are some people who interpret scripture to support hatred of wealth. There have been "bible communists" throughout history, including the Mayflower passangers (who, to their great credit, had the good sense to abandon it after their first disastrous year).