I really like the quote from the Torah.

I am not sure, maybe there is a flaw in our character that makes us selfish!

Perhaps not selfish. From what I have observed most fantasies of people involve being better, more special, than other people. Their basic self esteem seems to rely on being superior to someone else. It would appear that they truly despise equality in their hearts.

Mmmmm.

Well, one has to be a little selfish, it is the nature of survival. But I think humans have a hard time with empathy. If we could imagin ourselves in others positions before we spoke, things might be a little nicer.

Because, unfortunately all religions are not peaceful or equal.

Religion doesn't always = Good

Well how tolerant are the religions themselves to other religions?
There are no religions that I am aware of that promotes other religions.
The universal golden rule varies in the eye of the beholder. I for one think we should all treat others how we would like to be treated but thats only my opinion and since everyone does not agree with that then how can there be a universal rule of kindness compassion and consideration every ones views are different.

They didn't included us Neo-Pagans. But I'll go a long with the NA one.

We can agree to disagree.

I think we (Native Americans) got it right the first time.

IMO it's not the religions which end up with odds with each other, religion is an ideology, it has no physical traits for it to hurt people or other religions. It is the person whom embraces the ideology who does the harm. I dunno, im think i'm taking an atheists view.

I put it down to selfishness. The majority of the world is selfish. People continuously put their own needs first, while ignoring the basic needs of others. In the news just recently, a pregnant lady collapsed at the train station and no one lifted a finger. On our public transport systems, how many able-bodied strong men remain seated in a packed carriage if an elderly person or a pregnant woman gets on? Yet those same able-bodied men will stand up and offer their seat to a beautiful woman near their own age. They may rationalise that as being a good samaritan, but they are looking only at their own needs.

There was an experiment conducted a while back where an elderly couple (actors) stood on a busy roadside next to a car that was obviously broken down and in need of help. Countless drivers passed by and did nothing. Meanwhile, at a similarly busy road at the same time of day, a beautiful 20-something woman (also an actor) stood next to a car. Within half-an-hour, she had six requests for aid, all by men in their 20's. They probably rationalise this as being good samaritans also.

The fact is, both these examples highlight the abject selfishness with which we as humans live and most do not even realise. And that is the real problem. How many people realise they are selfish? I conducted an anonymous survey last year of the people at my work (mostly non-Christians). In it, one of the questions was about selfishness. The first part asked "Do you think people in this world are generally selfish"? 95% said Yes. The next part asked them "Do you think you are generally selfish. And unsurprisingly (unsurprising to me, at least) 95% said they did not believe so.

In other words, the vast majority of people could see the selfishness rife in the world, but could not see it in themselves. I know the survey sample was far too small for a scientific study (not to mention being only one subsection of people in the same work environment), but those results reflect the experiences I have had in the world at large.

That's what I see as the problem, anyway

~ PA

Maybe it is the city you live in PA, but I have found whenever I need help people are more than willing to lend me a hand. When I was using my walker in a rain storm a man came and held his umbrella over me as I cross the street. Even now people hold the doors for me. Then there was the guy who saw my mother was in trouble while she was driving down the road, her heart had stopped for a bit. He followed her and when she ran off the road he called emergency, then he got my number from her and called me. He stayed there with her until I got there. I will aways be grateful to that man for looking out for my mom. Not everyone is selfish, there are still some really decent people in the world.

I would be willing to bet that the people who helped you, did not go on andx on about being christian did they?

It should be quite obvious to anyone, that being a member of a cult is not the only reason humans look out for each other, I would submit, that most of the outspoken christians I know, would have by passed the whole situation, in order not to inconvenience themselves. but at least 70% of those that drove on by said a little prayer to make themselves feel better about DOING NOTHING!

I don't think the majority of the world is selfish PA. With the pregnant woman collapsing I know you are more likely to be rendered assistance when there are only a few people around you. When there is a crowd everybody assumes somebody else will help. I think it is called the bystander effect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bystander_effect

Also for anything to be on the news it is generally an uncommon occurence - it's the everyday fatalities like car crashes and domestic violence that are so common they don't make the news that people should worry about.

I have lived out of the city in a small town for about six years and people always help each other. Maybe that is the difference.

A single mum who comes into my work mentioned that she was moving house the next weekend - she had an injured hand so I offered to help with my car. When I turned up to her place half the town was there! There was a real Amish vibe going on lol.

Most people are happy to pay taxes and a proportion of that goes to helping people who are unemployed, people give to charities etc.

Perhaps we just view life differently.

yes ego , selfishness. greed as well.

I agree. It is not only Christians that help other people. And many Christians will not do anything. It's just what I see as a sad fact of life that people are more often wrapped up in their own existence to look beyond the reach of their arms. At least, taht is what I have noticed

Perhaps you are right. I'm just going by what I know. I live in the suburbs and generally speaking people are a lot friendlier than the city itself. As for the country, I am sure most country areas are a lot friendlier. The notable exception would be my aunties farm. I went there recently and my perception of small-town country friendliness has been shattered just a little. I'm willing to hope that this was just her neighbours though and had nothing to do with how country areas are becoming.

By stating that people generally are more interested in their own life, I do not mean to imply that people don't help. I just think it is becoming rarer and rarer. And helping someone does not mean that the person is a Christian and those who do not help are not Christians. Religious beliefs have nothing to do with it. It's human nature, I think.

All the best,

~ PA

Sure Darkwind, You and I don't agree on a lot of things yet we get along great. That's a good example of how different people of different faiths can coexist and even become friends.
Always a pleasure

I am glad your Mom is okay and someone was there to help her and you as well, I always help when i see someone who needs help as does my son he has gotten several recognition awards from work for giving that extra hand. He does not require that he be recognize for his efforts though it is nice to be told thank you.



Porthos , You do really need to stop your christian bashing, How on earth can you possibly know what you have stated here, I mean really do you have some super power that allows you to see what this christian or that one will or won't do?
The majority of Christians I know would actually be one of the first people to stop and help. I have seen their generosity and can attest to the fact that they often think of others before they do themselves. I don't know where you live but I don't think you give an accurate description of the Christians there, I think it is you that has the problem and not them, I base this on the MANY post you have made that do make Christians out to be the worst kind of people and that just is not fair and is extremely hateful in my opinion.
You seem to think you have the powers of a god and are so much more insightful than the rest of us, well I am here to tell you there are a lot of people here that are much more insightful and accurate than you are.


The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. -- Ecclesiastes 10:12

so in the city you live in , what is the number of homeless and what is your church doing about it ? this majority of christians you know. how much do they give ? how do they help. ?


I must point out this however . with the majority of Americans ( over 70% ) Identifying as christian and the amount of uncaring we actually have here is appaulling. Sure put some doe eyed white missing girl on tv and everyone is in shock and scrambling , money pours in . but it's known if that child is black or latino the response isn't the same. that in it's self says alot. very sad.

where coverage of a missing black woman is cut to focus on Paris Hiltons as well as her lost dog.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/crime_scene...7/06/paris.html

Damsels in distress
If you’re missing, it helps to be young, white and female

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5325808/

same goes for alot of things. homelessness , joblessness..........

how much do churches really spend on charity ? this easily applies to the US as well. plenty of examples out there.

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/187986

Paris Hilton losted her dog! Oh my Gods! Maybe some nice homeless man will find it.

I'm not so sure everyone likes to pay taxes! I'm not big into paying taxes for those who are too lazy to work.

I think overall there are some good people in the world & some not so good.

Unfortunately your right, It really angers me to know there are homeless people out there in our country, We do what we can and thats not nearly enough but I believe if everyone got on this bandwagon and said enough we are not going to tolerate people having to sleep in the street and not know where their next meal is coming from. Some do what they can but its not nearly enough, sadly paris hilton (shakes head in disgust) takes the news covers instead of the black missing woman and the many homeless people that really need help. What about the children who are with their families who end up homeless? Some will say hey they got themselves into that situation let them get out of it, What a mean unkind incompassionate response. They have no idea about why or how these people end up without a home and food to feed their family. Its like all the money being spent on this war, it could probably end homelessness all together these politics are sickening and most of these "benefits"" to help the homeless are just advertising for the host and nothing more. What kind of person would use these people as a calling card for their stupid politics? Churches could probably do more your right but if only one is dong everything they can then t still isn't enough, I know a guy who is homeless and would give you his last dollar or bit of food and I have helped and the church also but we just don't have the means to buy him a home we temporarily give him shelter and food but what he really needs is a home just like all the homeless do. I really don't know what the answer s but do know t does not have to be done all by the Christan's or the atheist or anyone group or religion we should all help.
Always a pleasure

lol no kidding and then when to collect a reward will be accused of theft and holding it for ransom and tossed in jail. where Paris struts by in her Prada suit waving.

That's Hot !

these are some good questions...i can't answer for other areas but the town i live in at this time has quite a few church sponsored shelters...you don't see homeless people around town like some other places i have been...some areas are really bad...but i have not seen any non religous organizations helping out at all...no shelters, no funding of kitchens, etc....

i know our news reporting leaves a lot to be desired and it will probably never change....sad, it could be really useful in setting the stage for the tolerance of all people, mending relations among groups who shold not be fighting each other to begin with...

randomhit10