Aspies For Freedom

Interesting question.

I wish to go through life wherever possible avoiding harm by action or inaction; never wasting an opportunity to improve the conditions of others or the environment.

a) What do you find morally offensive?
Any deliberate or careless harm, physical or pychological; lack of basic respect
b) What agitates you about other people in general?
Moral expediency

Doubt/certainty?
I am human so I will fail but will forgive myself and others whenever possible

I consider myself an Eudaemonist Christian. That which encourages flourishing can be relied upon to be moral, and I believe the way Jesus lived His life demonstrated the best example.

For instance? I wouldn't include that which annoys me anywhere in my moral philosophy.  However, if I had to say what annoys me in relation to my moral philosophy I would say:

It annoys me when people prefer short term superficial rewards to long term growth and character building. Not enough people care about doing what's right because they don't seem to realize that 'feel good' in the moment doesn't equal 'flourishing'.

I don't like it when people hurt each other in anyway, but I'm most offended when people lie. Truth and honesty is very important to me and when someone misrepresents themselves or others or me I feel like reality has been violated and to reinstate trust afterwards is very difficult.  Sometimes I can handle it without offense if I know the person is ill (I once had a pathological liar as a friend... oy) because then I know to expect it and not believe a word that person says... but when someone is respected and looked up to and they intentionally lie, it just galls me.  

This explains why I both can't stand politicians but why they don't offend me anymore - I expect them to lie...

Nothing 'in general' agitates me about other people... that I can think of anyway. I generally genuinely like most people; even the quirky ones. (actually, especially the quirky ones)

I attach a lot of certainty to the general principle of my moral philosophy - but there are always new specific circumstances that can bring me doubt as to how to walk it out.  Usually that's overcome by faith that if I do my best and focus on loving others, grace and mercy will cover it.

How weird to couple those two questions. It's like "What is the meaning of life, and what color socks do you like best?"

As far as a moral philosophy, I like the Unitarian Universalist principles. I'm not saying i'm great at practicing them, but it would be a wonderful world if we all did:

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

    * The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

    * Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

    * Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

    * A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

    * The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

    * The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

    * Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

I am 101% sure !

The previous post had to look like this:

What annoys you about the world and society for instance?

The way capitalism has choked us while making us believe that we're breathing better.

a) What do you find morally offensive?
Evil justifications of capitalism, such as: Capitalism is part of human nature ! !

b) What agitates you about other people in general?
Deceit, conspiracies and egosism.

Also how much doubt or certainty do you attach to them?
[/quote]
I am 101% sure !

My point is, obviously, that none of us got anywhere without what we were given by others, either directly or indirectly -- and I question whether we who have received should necessarily question how others with fewer advantages get by.

I can guarantee you there would be an army of outraged republicans furious that the state is paying for education for someone who already has a Master's degree. Me, I think the government needs to do more free education and less corporate welfare and criminal warfare.

To try and be nicer.

Lack of tolerance for people who are different and who have different beliefs and values.

Bullying and people who come into kick when someone is already down.  

People who fail to show respect and care for their fellow men.  

My principles are fairly straight forward - I attach much certainty to my principles.

Someone has upset Woman from Mars?

Hm.

I myself practice the Japanese/European styles of Capitalism, I feel they are more efficient, let alone more "worker friendly"

Maybe he laughed because he knows that America DOES criminalize poverty. Maybe he was laughing because your learning curve has prevented you from learning that fact.

I thought it was biblically clear that GuessWho is supposed to sell everything he owns and give the money to the poor.

Maybe Jesus sent Gideon to GuessWho as a way of finding out whether GuessWho is a true Christian.

If so, I guess Jesus got his answer.

You never suggest it?  I thought your morality was about what Jesus suggested?

I'm nominating this one for the Religious Hypocrisy Hall of Fame.

You condemn people for sex outside of marriage.

You condemn people for being gay.

Coincidentally, those are two "moral points" that ask absolutely nothing of you -- the first because you have no opportunity, and the second because you have no inclination.

But when Jesus asks you to overcome your own greed and judgmentalism, it's as easy for you to dismiss him as it would be for any atheist.

"Luv ya, Jesus, but don't ask anything of me."

Definitely time for you to climb off the moral high-horse.

Clearly, that's not true. If we've learned anything from your posts, it's that relationships don't come easy at all -- not for you and not for many people. So your response makes no sense.

Instead it appears that you only respect what comes easy -- celibacy and materialism. You expect others to play by biblical rules and sacrifice, but it seems when it's something that would require you to sacrifice, you dismiss it as "something Jesus said in Matthew 25" or just say, "I'm not ready for that, so it it doesn't count." It's a very easy form of Christianity you prectice for yourself, but a very judgmental set of rules you impose on others.

Who suggested that, Chris? Me or Jesus?

I have no investment in what sort of Christian you are. That's your supposed investment, though it appears increasingly minor under examination.

As for the bible as a set of standards for living, parts of it -- like parts of many other books and teachings -- are excellent. Other parts are patently absurd and I would -- following your example -- dismiss them with a wave of my hand.

But I hope I would not pretend to take it in its entirety when I feel ike condemning others, and then practice it only when it matches my personal comfort. This appears to be what you're doing.

LOL! get out the umbellas, folks -- Jesus in heaven just threw up. Giving to the poor is hardly an off-hand "suggestion" Jesus made sitting around the bar chatting with the apostles over a pint or two.

How any times did Jesus call on his followers to take care of the poor, to sell their belongings and give the money to the poor? You think he was just tossing it out there as an optional practice one might play at if they feel like it?

Now you're saying I'm being "too literal" -- because now you're being asked to live by the scripture rather than just use it against others.

Jesus didn't ask us to give less than a tithe, he was asking us to give more -- much more. What bible are you reading?

http://bible.cc/mark/10-21.htm

No one ever said following Christ's teachings was supposed to be easy.

My suggestion is just this -- until you are "ready" to do it, stop telling everyone else how to live their lives. Keep your lofty Christian standards to yourself until you're ready to announce your own perfection.

That's all.

My aspie boyfriend Erich says something you may consider similar -- he has absolutely no belief in divinity and supernatural god stuff, but his values are very Christian -- the things Jesus said, not what a bunch of corrupt churches and loony self-appointed apostles distorted it to mean.