Theological Altruism

[Musicmaster]

Altruism is a philosophy that is deeply ingrained into the fabric of cultural socialism, with anti-rationalism as its defining and strongest element within its structure. Its adherents hate rational thought because rationality, based upon moral absolutes, leads to selfishness...or so it is thought in the circles of those who lean in the direction of socialistic culture being forced upon the West.

It's one thing to discuss social altruism as it teaches that we must put the interests of others above our own, thus sacrificing our values and resources for the common good of others. On the surface, this sounds very biblical and right, even though such principles are detrimental to both the individual and to any society.

"The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption..” Ayn Rand

There is an element of altruism within the construct of some modern evangelicalism and/or reformism what I've come to call "theological altruism." The culprit element is anti-rationalism, as is seen within cultural altruism. Rationalism, among those caught up in theological altruism, in order to avoid the literal interpretation model as the pre-requisite, vomit out all manner of spiritual sounding jargon in order to avoid the strength of the literal that is stacked up against them. Anything that happens to not align with what they want to believe about a topic, they routinely will cast the text off into the realm of allegory, keeping it out there beyond arm's length so that it doesn't endanger their pet doctrines they've been taught by their institutional pastors and/or favorite online, religious personality, or system of thought, that they have chosen to follow.

What are your experiences along this line?

MM

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Many people misunderstand literal to mean only natural/physical things. But literal can also mean spiritual things. It all depends on context and the author's intent, which must be discerned spiritually. Those who maintain that literal can only mean natural or physical things lack the spiritual discernment necessary to make the proper distinction

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

The literal interpretation conveys the actual meaning, whether that be natural or spiritual, a distinction that is spiritually discerned

 

[Aaron56]

I got in trouble once (once?) for telling someone that the gospel was not a social or moral message.

 

[Musicmaster]

I got in trouble once (once?) for telling someone that the gospel was not a social or moral message.

No doubt. Given the plethora of philosophies about what Christianity is and what some think that it should be, debates are bound to arise.

Paul gave to us what I see as being a great balance to the entire discussion about the defining foundation of Christianity, as well as the OT scriptures:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Powerful thought in helping us to keep our priorities in order, and furthermore:

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.

Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

We see, then, that there is no wrong in partaking and being enriched from one's own labors while providing for those without because they have hit upon hard times in life or cannot provide for themselves.

However, here in the West, our government has long since cultivated an entire "race" of parasitic sluggards who feed off the labors of others, all because of the altruistic ethic that, as Ayn Rand stated, they are parasites who talk of the duty of all others to do for others, with all who actually labor being forced into alleged benevolence toward the parasitic sluggards.

Yes, there are genuine needy who got to where they are, some from bad decision-making, others through folly, and others yet out of no fault of their own who cannot function to make their own living. The fine line between godly benevolence and outright altruism to the extent that the elite are using it as a means toward cultural and national socialism, it is wicked to the core, as satanic as the can possibly be understood foundational values, or lack thereof, of that creature.

The imbalances that govern altruism, however, push those who produce into giving even to the vast population of sluggards, thus making the giver into a parasite by living as an enabler of the sluggards, and never asking nor answering the question as to WHY!

MM

 

[Musicmaster]

Ayn Rand was bold when she spoke about this phenomenon:

 

[Musicmaster]

Dare we think about altruism, given that it undergirds all of socialism throughout history, and is still alive today as seen in the claims made by ignorant university students who have been deeply indoctrinated into this thinking by their wicked professors, differentiating that evil system of thought from true, godly love and compassion toward those who cannot provide for themselves in the moment, we then see the Heart of the Lord in the instructions given to us in His written word. This also helps us to see the socialistic leanings of pastors and other religious elite who either knowingly or unknowingly foist their theological altruism upon the ignorant masses within churchianity.

MM

 

[GWH]

Altruism is a philosophy that is deeply ingrained into the fabric of cultural socialism, with anti-rationalism as its defining and strongest element within its structure. Its adherents hate rational thought because rationality, based upon moral absolutes, leads to selfishness...or so it is thought in the circles of those who lean in the direction of socialistic culture being forced upon the West.

It's one thing to discuss social altruism as it teaches that we must put the interests of others above our own, thus sacrificing our values and resources for the common good of others. On the surface, this sounds very biblical and right, even though such principles are detrimental to both the individual and to any society.

"The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption..” Ayn Rand

There is an element of altruism within the construct of some modern evangelicalism and/or reformism what I've come to call "theological altruism." The culprit element is anti-rationalism, as is seen within cultural altruism. Rationalism, among those caught up in theological altruism, in order to avoid the literal interpretation model as the pre-requisite, vomit out all manner of spiritual sounding jargon in order to avoid the strength of the literal that is stacked up against them. Anything that happens to not align with what they want to believe about a topic, they routinely will cast the text off into the realm of allegory, keeping it out there beyond arm's length so that it doesn't endanger their pet doctrines they've been taught by their institutional pastors and/or favorite online, religious personality, or system of thought, that they have chosen to follow.

What are your experiences along this line?

MM

My view is that all are sinners and the U.S. founders were wise to establish checks and balances, which are needed in all aspects of life, including here on CC, with the biggest check being Scripture.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Ayn Rand may have had some commendable ideas regarding the world and its affairs, but she's not somebody I'd look to for teachings on the word of God

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Altruism in the way Rand is defining it is unscriptural. God didn't command us to love others more than ourselves, which is really just a sacrificial offering to the idol of receiving praise from others, but to love others in the same way we love ourselves, ie, do to others as we would want done to ourselves. You have to love yourself before you can know how to love others.

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Ephesians 5:29​

 

[p_rehbein]

Altruism Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Altruism Has Roots in Latin and French

Altruism refers to a quality possessed by people whose focus is on something other than themselves, and its root reveals the object of those generous tendencies. Altruism derives from the French word autrui, meaning "other people." Autrui, in turn, developed from the Old French term autre, which means "other" and which itself comes from Latin alter, also meaning "other." That Latin source eventually caused a curious thing to happen. Under the influence of alter, the French autrui gave rise to the altrui- of both the French altruisme and the English altruism. The English term has been in service since at least the mid-1800s.

ALTRUISM | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
Altruism is the attitude of caring about others and doing acts that help them, even if it is not good for yourself. Learn more about the meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and usage of altruism with …

Bible Verses About Altruism

Luke 6:35 - But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Learn more:

Philippians 2:4 - Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Luke 6:35 - But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

John 15:12-14 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (Read More...)

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

2 Peter 1:5-7 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (Read More...)

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Ephesians 4:29-32 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Read More...)

Proverbs 19:17 - He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (Read More...)

Galatians 5:14 - For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

MM

Ayn Rand, even though she's not teaching the gospel, would make a better preacher than most that exist today. The churches are eat up with this malignant concept of self-sacrifice and a big reason why they have no power. It's simply a tool for controlling others.

 

[GWH]

Ayn Rand may have had some commendable ideas regarding the world and its affairs, but she's not somebody I'd look to for teachings on the word of God

IOW, the only commendable ideas would be those that align with/do not contradict GW.

 

[studentoftheword]

This Lady's view that Altruism is wrong or evil I say comes straight from Satan and His Church ------she is an Anti-Christ---and is peddling very dangerous Philosophy and is someone that all Christians should rebuke -----

I agree with AI on this --

AI Overview
Learn more

Yes, Ayn Rand's philosophy is considered to have influenced LaVeyan Satanism, which is a religious, ideological, and philosophical belief system based on Satan:

• Sociologist of religion James R. Lewis: Described LaVeyan Satanism as "a blend of Epicureanism and Ayn Rand's philosophy"
• Historian of religion Mattias Gardell: Described LaVeyan Satanism as "a rational ideology of egoistic hedonism and self-preservation"
• Nevill Drury: Characterized LaVeyan Satanism as "a religion of self-indulgence"

Interesting read

Ayn Rand and Satanism
https://progressivechristianity.org/resource/ayn-rand-and-satanism/

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

IOW, the only commendable ideas would be those that align with/do not contradict GW.

Correct, which her words in the 2 videos above do not and are in fact the truth.

 

[Musicmaster]

This Lady's view that Altruism is wrong or evil I say comes straight from Satan and His Church ------she is an Anti-Christ---and is peddling very dangerous Philosophy and is someone that all Christians should rebuke -----

I agree with AI on this --

AI Overview
Learn more

Yes, Ayn Rand's philosophy is considered to have influenced LaVeyan Satanism, which is a religious, ideological, and philosophical belief system based on Satan:

• Sociologist of religion James R. Lewis: Described LaVeyan Satanism as "a blend of Epicureanism and Ayn Rand's philosophy"
• Historian of religion Mattias Gardell: Described LaVeyan Satanism as "a rational ideology of egoistic hedonism and self-preservation"
• Nevill Drury: Characterized LaVeyan Satanism as "a religion of self-indulgence"

Interesting read

Ayn Rand and Satanism
https://progressivechristianity.org/resource/ayn-rand-and-satanism/

As with most anything, be it benign, benevolent or malignant, any concept we may name has good elements and bad elements, depending upon which system to which it is applied. In some Christian circles, there are those who were aligned with "Christian Socialism," with varying philosophers leaning more into the secular form, and others close to the biblical form. So, I take what anyone says about it with a grain of salt, and Ayn's definition does fit with the garbage we hear from modern kids educated at modern universities yammering about how it's ok for government take from producers to give to non-producers, and who also see the Bible as evil because it calls upon the starvation of those who don't work.

So, context, as always, is important to an understanding of meaning and direction of leaning.

MM

 

[Karlon]

Ayn Rand was bold when she spoke about this phenomenon:

ayn rand, where ever you are, you are a stupid person. plane dumb! no earthly reason? there's a supernatural reason & that's all that is needed: God! apparently, you are an atheist & have never learned Hebrews 8:10- "for this is the covenant i will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith, the Lord, I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS & WRITE THEM IN THEIR HEARTS............."

 

[birdie]

Altruism Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Altruism Has Roots in Latin and French

Altruism refers to a quality possessed by people whose focus is on something other than themselves, and its root reveals the object of those generous tendencies. Altruism derives from the French word autrui, meaning "other people." Autrui, in turn, developed from the Old French term autre, which means "other" and which itself comes from Latin alter, also meaning "other." That Latin source eventually caused a curious thing to happen. Under the influence of alter, the French autrui gave rise to the altrui- of both the French altruisme and the English altruism. The English term has been in service since at least the mid-1800s.

ALTRUISM | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
Altruism is the attitude of caring about others and doing acts that help them, even if it is not good for yourself. Learn more about the meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and usage of altruism with …

Bible Verses About Altruism

Luke 6:35 - But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Learn more:

Philippians 2:4 - Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Luke 6:35 - But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

John 15:12-14 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (Read More...)

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

2 Peter 1:5-7 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (Read More...)

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Ephesians 4:29-32 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Read More...)

Proverbs 19:17 - He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (Read More...)

Galatians 5:14 - For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Thanks p_rehbein. I enjoyed these scriptures which you posted.

 

[Dino246]

Altruism is a philosophy that is deeply ingrained into the fabric of cultural socialism, with anti-rationalism as its defining and strongest element within its structure. Its adherents hate rational thought because rationality, based upon moral absolutes, leads to selfishness...or so it is thought in the circles of those who lean in the direction of socialistic culture being forced upon the West.

It's one thing to discuss social altruism as it teaches that we must put the interests of others above our own, thus sacrificing our values and resources for the common good of others. On the surface, this sounds very biblical and right, even though such principles are detrimental to both the individual and to any society.

"The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption..” Ayn Rand

There is an element of altruism within the construct of some modern evangelicalism and/or reformism what I've come to call "theological altruism." The culprit element is anti-rationalism, as is seen within cultural altruism. Rationalism, among those caught up in theological altruism, in order to avoid the literal interpretation model as the pre-requisite, vomit out all manner of spiritual sounding jargon in order to avoid the strength of the literal that is stacked up against them. Anything that happens to not align with what they want to believe about a topic, they routinely will cast the text off into the realm of allegory, keeping it out there beyond arm's length so that it doesn't endanger their pet doctrines they've been taught by their institutional pastors and/or favorite online, religious personality, or system of thought, that they have chosen to follow.

What are your experiences along this line?

MM

Thanks for posting this. Sadly, it's not often that something on this forum really makes me think.

 

[wattie]

Altruism is a philosophy that is deeply ingrained into the fabric of cultural socialism, with anti-rationalism as its defining and strongest element within its structure. Its adherents hate rational thought because rationality, based upon moral absolutes, leads to selfishness...or so it is thought in the circles of those who lean in the direction of socialistic culture being forced upon the West.

It's one thing to discuss social altruism as it teaches that we must put the interests of others above our own, thus sacrificing our values and resources for the common good of others. On the surface, this sounds very biblical and right, even though such principles are detrimental to both the individual and to any society.

"The man who attempts to live for others is a dependent. He is a parasite in motive and makes parasites of those he serves. The relationship produces nothing but mutual corruption..” Ayn Rand

There is an element of altruism within the construct of some modern evangelicalism and/or reformism what I've come to call "theological altruism." The culprit element is anti-rationalism, as is seen within cultural altruism. Rationalism, among those caught up in theological altruism, in order to avoid the literal interpretation model as the pre-requisite, vomit out all manner of spiritual sounding jargon in order to avoid the strength of the literal that is stacked up against them. Anything that happens to not align with what they want to believe about a topic, they routinely will cast the text off into the realm of allegory, keeping it out there beyond arm's length so that it doesn't endanger their pet doctrines they've been taught by their institutional pastors and/or favorite online, religious personality, or system of thought, that they have chosen to follow.

What are your experiences along this line?

MM

my experience, is many people get a popular saying that is meant to be what everyone agrees on.

For example: 'Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them '

The popular view is this applies to any situation where 2 to 3 christians gather.
So people interpret in a way to their own liking that sounds good.

The context though... the actual truth..rather than the altruistic nice thinking about it..

Is that it's talking about resolving sin issues with a wayward church member.

A revision of the OT system of discipline for Israel gathered in the wilderness.