Posted by Dinah on March 4, 2006, at 13:09:41
In reply to Re: Integrity and Hypocrisy - another twist » Dinah, posted by rayww on March 4, 2006, at 12:57:05
Well, clearly my notions of good works were framed a lot by my upbringing in the Mormon church. :)
And I tend not to question why any particular person does good works, as I think good works to some extent speak for themselves.
I don't know of any churches or doctrine that advocate doing good works to pave their way into heaven, although there have been anecdotal reports of *individuals* who turn to good works in their last days with the possible desire of making up for past sins so as to not enter hell, if there is one. But I prefer to think of them as having had a last minute change of attitude when faced with the larger issues of life and death. And after all, don't all churches believe that genuine repentence and a change of heart will afford you grace from God, no matter what stage of life you are when you offer it? (My husband has always found that to be grossly unfair.)
I agree with you that good works are often done as a tangible symbol of one's love for God and desire to do as he wishes. And just as often done by people who have no formal relationship with God, who may even be atheist, just because good works in themselves have a certain beauty and value.
poster:Dinah
thread:614466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20051105/msgs/615866.html