Pim,
Without going off into questions again which you still have yet to
answer, I
will simply make yet the same observation. Altruism or Reciprocal
Altruism
is NOT Agape, or even Agape-like. I realize that you will never see the
difference even when it is placed before you. Nor will you answer
the very
questions that would lead yourself to the answer. But please understand
that faith in nature, science and societies will never bring you
salvation,
nor mankind. SOME Christians may think the reciprocity will come with
eternal life. But, God alone decides. It is his grace that gives me
eternal life. Even if I do exactly as he commands and go without sin
I may
still not enter if he so chooses.
It seems that there are those who believe we should live as the
animals do
simply because it can be found in nature. Some species are bi-sexual so
it's ok if we are. Some species are violent so we are. And so on.
Living
as animals is not our place, nor is living as gods. LOOK at
everything in
the Bible. Every sin is tied to either deification/idolization, or
living
like animals (violence, sexual perversion, etc). Only when we place
ourselves squarely where God intends between the animal kingdom and
God can
we begin to live as true Christians.
As far this question of yours:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So what is the difference may I ask between someone who acts in an
Agape-like manner motivated by knowledge of these laws of nature and
find
reward in an internal form of reward or someone who acts in an Agape-
like
manner, similarly knowing the laws of nature, and who assigns the
impetus to
be from the Holy Spirit?
But the question was more one of a Christian following the rules of
Agape as
outlined in the Bible versus a non-Christian who follows similar rules,
encouraged by his knowledge of the laws of nature?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
First altruism found in nature is NOT Agape or Agape-like. Why would
we as
HUMANS want to bring ourselves back down to animal level when God
commands
otherwise. And knowledge or understanding of the natural laws seen
in the
animal world does not mean that it is the same as Agape or that it
should be
followed. The Bible does speak of those who have the law written on
their
hearts. This is not the same as being encouraged by knowledge of the
laws
of nature. No one in the time of Christ would have totally
understood the
genetic and neurological functions that you have brought up in this
discussion. So let's come to realize that while there is HISTORICAL
importance for altruism, it is in our past (well supposed to be) and
that
our future lies with Agape (and no Pim they're not the same). I'm not
saying that altruism is bad. I'm saying that altrusim is not
intended for
the future of mankind. And even if someone asks in such a manner for
the
purpose of an internal reward then it is not Agape. The condition
set was
internal but it is still a condition. So that should that person no
longer
feel this neurological pleasure from giving they would likely stop. And
that is sin.
The winds have stopped. Scribed for those who listen not those who
won't.
I know and pray that there are some who have.
Don Perrett
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Received on Wed Nov 29 13:02:46 2006
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