Write about Jesus, The Sermon on the Mount; The Good Samaritan (Moral Life 371)

Question

Give your thoughts and questions. How does this relate to Altruism and Egoism.

Your Response Papers must consist of two long paragraphs. (WORD COUNT MUST BE 800+)
-In your first paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have carefully read the text assigned for that day, by explaining, in your own words, what is going on in a particular section of it. You can choose to write about one paragraph, or one page, from the text assigned for that day. You must include a brief quotation (or two) from the passage you are writing about, and you must indicate the quotation’s page number. Put the source [either Moral Life or Folio] and the page number, in brackets right after the quotation. i.e., ...“Some things are up to us, some are not up to us” (Moral Life, p.388). I will assume you are using the assigned Seventh Edition of the textbook. If you are using a previous edition of the textbook, indicate which version in your citation. Do not spend any time on biographical information about the philosopher.

-In the second paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have thought critically about this portion of the text by offering an evaluation and critical thinking response to it (i.e. what you think about the ideas in this portion of the text, and why you think that). The second paragraph must be at least as long as or longer than the first paragraph. (WORD COUNT IS 800)!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a profound set of ethical teachings that challenge the existing moral landscape of His time, emphasizing the need for authentic righteousness that transcends mere adherence to laws. Within this discourse, He urges His followers to embrace profound internal virtues rather than external rituals. For instance, He begins with the Beatitudes, offering blessings to the meek, the merciful, and those who hunger for justice, effectively redefining what it means to be blessed in the kingdom of God. Jesus states, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Moral Life, p. 371). This highlights a reciprocal relationship between the character traits of individuals and the blessings they may reap. Another key point in this section is Jesus’ teaching that one must not only refrain from killing but also from harboring anger. He proclaims, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Moral Life, p. 371). This illustrates His insistence on the significance of inner moral attitudes, suggesting that moral behavior begins within the heart rather than merely through outward actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan further exemplifies this theme, stressing the necessity of compassion and selflessness. In this story, Jesus challenges societal norms by presenting a Samaritan—someone viewed as an outsider—who shows mercy to a wounded man, unlike the religious leaders who pass by without helping. This narrative serves to highlight that true neighborliness transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, advocating for altruism as a critical component of moral living in Jesus' vision for a just world.

Many questions arise upon reflecting on the teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount and the narrative of the Good Samaritan. The essence of Jesus’ message raises inquiries about the nature of altruism versus egoism in ethical behavior. If one were to adopt these teachings, can genuine altruism exist, or are individuals’ actions inevitably influenced by personal interests and the desire for social recognition? The ethical dilemmas posed by the parable suggest a confrontation with egoism, as adhering to societal expectations could lead to an avoidance of compassion—much like the priest and Levite who fail to assist the wounded man due to their own self-preservation or fear of becoming ceremonially unclean. The radical nature of Jesus' teachings begs consideration regarding the balance one might strike between altruistic intentions and egoistic impulses. Could the acts of kindness motivated by reward—be it divine, social, or psychological—truly be deemed altruistic, or do they hint at the underlying egoism that clouds moral actions? Furthermore, how do we reconcile Jesus' call to love indiscriminately with our inherent biases? Observing modern society, acts of egoism seem prevalent, often overshadowing the very tenets of altruism that Jesus champions. Analyzing these teachings within contemporary contexts reveals a persistent tension between the ideal of altruism that Jesus espouses and the egoistic tendencies that frequently govern human behavior. This contemplation invites us to explore how we can cultivate a more altruistic society in which acts of kindness and compassion flourish, suggesting that perhaps the most profound challenge is not only to understand these teachings but to embody them in a world often driven by self-interest.