I have trouble perceiving how a materialist ethic can bring one
to self-sacrificing heroism. I can readily understand how a
Mother Theresa can devote her life to caring for the lost and
diseased in one of the worst slums in the world, suffering
innumerable bouts of malaria (and now pneumonia as age gets her)
Of course, you can say that she has fame and adoration, but she
was doing the same kinda stuff for decades when nobody was
paying any attention. There isn't any way that she could have
counted on *that*. I understand that she loves the sick and
the cast out because she loves the Lord even more. She has
literally given her entire being to her fellows with no
calculation (seemingly) for her own benefit. Is there any
comparable reason an atheist would do such a thing? Are there
any examples of atheists doing these things? If you give me some
time I bet I could dig up at least 1000 Christians who have
exhibited this kind of self-sacrificing love. Not only that, I
think I could explain *why* they do it. I think the answers would
be remarkably similar--because Jesus loves them, they are grateful
for his love and grace and want to show it to those who don't
have much.
I can see how the love of Christ can lead to this self-sacrificing
ethic. And for every great saint, there are lots of little ones,
giving smaller doses of their time and substance to those to whom
they feel called. I read a recent article in Christianity Today
that cited a study that the vast majority of volunteers in America
volunteered because they felt a religious obligation to do so.
(I'll get the reference for you.)
Tell me, what would incline a materialist to give of him or
herself in this manner? What would incline them to put aside
the calculation and the career advancement to go serve the
downtrodden with no expectation of reward? I'm not trying to make
a rhetorical point here, I really do want to know. For the
Christian, the practice of virtue really is its own reward:
Not only is it the proper response of our Lord to the grace
he has given us, but it is also preparing us for what life
will be like in Heaven. I don't see how a materialist could
think that such a practice could be other than vanity--futility.
Peace to you,
Gene
-- ____________________________________________________________Gene D. Godbold, Ph.D. Lab: 804 924-5167Research Associate Desk: 804 243-2764Div. Infectious Disease/Dept. Medicine Home: 804 973-6913and Dept. Microbiology Fax: 804 924-7500MR4 Bldg, Room 2115 email: anselm@virginia.edu300 Park Place Charlottesville, VA 22908 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""