"The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion." -- Arthur C. Clarke

submitted by muellermeierschulz from (self.quotes)

sorted by:
top
newinsightfulfun
you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–]JasonCarswell 1 insightful - 4 fun1 insightful - 3 fun2 insightful - 4 fun -  (2 children)

Naw.

Natural Law = Do not harm others (including theft and deception).

Fundamental, simple, elegant.

Christ's teachings, among others, are good, but often excessive, redundant, and unnecessary.

[–]Jesus 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

There is an element of "do thou what you wilt" is the rule of the world—satanism—that is built in to this fallen world. Not harming others also implies doing what is only best for yourself and not thinking about those around you.

Christ teachings are excessive, yes, for someone who is not disciplined, but Christ also preached the rule of love unto strangers and even your enemies, that you help the poor and vulnerable.

That is completely lacking in a greed filled world or a "do thou what you wilt" world, as long as you do not harm others.

Have you read the entire New Testament?

[–]JasonCarswell 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

" Not harming others also implies doing what is only best for yourself and not thinking about those around you. "

No.

That's how you choose to read it. It does not "imply" anything. You are implying it.

If you harm one's community that affects everyone in that community negatively. Do not harm your community is a part of "Do not harm". There's no shortage of ways to harm one's community, but here are a few: usury, bad influence on youth, jealousy/envy, adultery, hoarding, etc.

However, I would take the Satanist "Do as thou wilt" (ie. "Don't tell me what to do") as a personal third after "Do no harm" and "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" which get hierarchical veto power. But that's me. Fundamentally the other two are redundant after "Do no harm".

Fuck the "love thy neighbour" shit. "Accept thy neighbour" is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more practical and realistic. Save love for those who earn and deserve it. Don't waste love, but don't scrimp either. Be open but not vulnerable. Balance.

I have a Bible with my name in gold on the front, from my Mom. I have zero interest in reading it or I would have.