General Discussions => Spirituality => Topic started by: Anatta on August 28, 2011, 06:15:54 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Does god help those who help themselves?
Post by: Anatta on August 28, 2011, 06:15:54 PM
Post by: Anatta on August 28, 2011, 06:15:54 PM
Kia Ora,
::) Tis said "God helps those who help themselves!" [Well, Greek philosophers, English politicians and an American Deist President once said it, so it must be true ;) ]...
However even though a large number of believers "believe" it came from the bible, nowhere in the bible does it actually say this...
::) Some Buddhists also believe in god/s, however if I were ever to succumb to such a belief [in a god] it would have to be one that helps those who "help themselves", but when one gets down to the nitty gritty there's really no place or need for an almighty god in Buddhism...
::) So for the almighty god believers, does your god help those who help themselves ? Or do you think/believe that s/he/it just sits back does nothing but watches its creation unfold as it will ?
I'm just trying to fathom how a belief in a god has the potential to help some members navigate life's ups & downs[being here and now-not after so to speak] ...Especially when it comes to ones trans-nature...
I guess this is somewhat a continuation[in a round about kinda way] of the "In God We Trust" thread...
Metta Zenda :)
::) Tis said "God helps those who help themselves!" [Well, Greek philosophers, English politicians and an American Deist President once said it, so it must be true ;) ]...
However even though a large number of believers "believe" it came from the bible, nowhere in the bible does it actually say this...
::) Some Buddhists also believe in god/s, however if I were ever to succumb to such a belief [in a god] it would have to be one that helps those who "help themselves", but when one gets down to the nitty gritty there's really no place or need for an almighty god in Buddhism...
::) So for the almighty god believers, does your god help those who help themselves ? Or do you think/believe that s/he/it just sits back does nothing but watches its creation unfold as it will ?
I'm just trying to fathom how a belief in a god has the potential to help some members navigate life's ups & downs[being here and now-not after so to speak] ...Especially when it comes to ones trans-nature...
I guess this is somewhat a continuation[in a round about kinda way] of the "In God We Trust" thread...
Metta Zenda :)
Title: Re: Does god help those who help themselves?
Post by: Pinkfluff on August 29, 2011, 12:53:39 AM
Post by: Pinkfluff on August 29, 2011, 12:53:39 AM
I suppose it depends on which God (or Goddess) you are talking about, but the Gods of native Northern European tradition (Germanic Paganism, Asatru, Norse tradition) are very much the help yourselves type. The Gods are not going to fight our battles for us, but They will be there to give a little strength, wisdom, and inspiration when you need it. What is left of the writings of the ancient Germanic Pagans (what Asatruar often call the lore) contains values and principles that we try to live by. Yes it is not perfect, it was written by men (maybe women too, but in those days probably mostly men), and it is 1000 years out of date, but much of it still applies. Values that I believe in, things like honor, loyalty, and hospitality, are the same things that they believed in, and the same things that our Gods encourage us to incorporate into our lives.
These are the Gods who give the greatest rewards to those who fight, so yes They are definitely the "help those who help themselves" type. Personally I've found faith in the Gods of the North to be much more helpful with "life's ups & downs" than I did with Christianity. I think that answers your question. Be glad to elaborate if you want =)
These are the Gods who give the greatest rewards to those who fight, so yes They are definitely the "help those who help themselves" type. Personally I've found faith in the Gods of the North to be much more helpful with "life's ups & downs" than I did with Christianity. I think that answers your question. Be glad to elaborate if you want =)