Self gratification

[nce_wht_guy]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it? Hedonism is what drives human beings, it's our reason for living. Even the religious value of self denial is just another form of self gratification when you think a bout it for a moment.

[iudas]

Because it was detrimental to the societies where the religions were born.

[nce_wht_guy]

No actually, it's what drove them. Whether they admit it or not, these religions are themselves motivated by it.

[Marie Louise von Preussen]

If people esteemed self-gratification as much as they do now in every moment of history, "people" would not be alive. It's hard to discuss this since morality is primarily founded on a primarily metaphysical basis, and thus reasoning it is difficult, but until the birth of High Finance and hyper-civilization... Or maybe even in later stages of civilizations driven by it, hedonism and material self-gratification were mostly condemned.

For us in the "West", it was only after 1950, with the decline of nationalistic feelings (pretty much one of the few higher ideals to survive the depredations of the Enlightenment and indeed to be born out of it) together with the rise of consumerism, the "feel-good" culture of today achieved its recognizable expression. It is convenient, since when business dominates the state, not only are wars and great efforts taxing and prejudicial for profit, but a gradually higher demand for pleasure bringing implements results in more profit. Here, the pacifist ideologue and the matter-of-fact businessman with an eye for money but none for abstract moral concerns join their hands.

[removeduser_487563287433]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it? Hedonism is what drives human beings, it's our reason for living. Even the religious value of self denial is just another form of self gratification when you think a bout it for a moment.

It comes from the Judeo-Christian tradition of not wasting spunk. Imagine what a healthier world it would have been if the Abrahamics could have kept to their deserts.

[Monarchist]

There's really no point in replying properly here, as it's obvious all the atheists just want to be hedonists. The answer that is most truthful would never appeal to you men anyway. Even if the very most factual and honest answer were given, it would not jibe with your wish to have Earthly pleasure at all costs.

LULZ EF ONLEH THEY'D KEPT 2 THEIR DISSIRTS, WE'D ALL B HAVING A GUD TEIM!

Nonsense; utter nonsense.

[nce_wht_guy]

There's really no point in replying properly here, as it's obvious all the atheists just want to be hedonists. The answer that is most truthful would never appeal to you men anyway. Even if the very most factual and honest answer were given, it would not jibe with your wish to have Earthly pleasure at all costs.

LULZ EF ONLEH THEY'D KEPT 2 THEIR DISSIRTS, WE'D ALL B HAVING A GUD TEIM!

Nonsense; utter nonsense.

But you're the exact same way. You just prefer a masochistic approach to hedonism.

[removeduser_487563287433]

But is :wub: hedonism, Monarchist? Is :wub: inherently immoral, because it strikes me as very compatible with Christian beliefs in no sex before marriage.

[Monarchist]

But is :wub: hedonism, Monarchist? Is :wub: inherently immoral, because it strikes me as very compatible with Christian beliefs in no sex before marriage.

If one is celibate, :wub: is only healthy. When one is expecting to be married and to have a wife of his own, :wub: is pointless hedonism.

[removeduser_487563287433]

If one is celibate, :wub: is only healthy. When one is expecting to be married and to have a wife of his own, :wub: is pointless hedonism.

Why?

[Adrian]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it? Hedonism is what drives human beings, it's our reason for living. Even the religious value of self denial is just another form of self gratification when you think a bout it for a moment.

Like animals are conditioned to search for food a form of self gratification so are we a more evolved type of animal.

And yes you are right religions are driven by self gratification eternal life anyone ?

Wtf is that ? lol thats self gratification in its fullest.

I accept that im worm food the only thing I can do is search for pleasure and make a difference somewhere somehow.

[MaximiIian]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it?

if I know. I believe we should affirm and celebrate life and the good things it gives to us.

I probably have different reasons than others would, though. My religion is, at its core, a fertility cult honouring deities of fertility, wisdom, and nature. The celebration of life, especially fertility, is seen as a celebration of nature and the gods.

[removeduser_487563287433]

So is Christianity. Christianity is very linked to and influenced by sun worship in various forms, and of course part of sun worship is its symbolic fertility.

[Arch-hereticK]

Everything in moderation.

The sexually anorexic will claim otherwise, but hey, they're sick anyway, them.

[handsome pete]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it?

let's tally what religion does for population.

->no homosexuality.
->must get married to have sex, so everyone gets married very young
->can't :wub:
->must ejaculate inside a womens vagina
->must propagate israel's children
->positive psychology, reduces suicide rates, better self esteem

i think the trick to understanding why people are naturally religious or not religious is related to population vs. quality.

since the agricultural revolution, populations that increase quickly win. israel was at one of the hearts of the agricultural revolution. there was also a revolution in irrigation that massively increased the population limit in that region. so is it any surprise that the group obsessed with procreation won?

[uos_spo6]

Self gratification is in it's most basic element giving in to temptation and that is what most religions are all about not doing.

[swabian]

Self gratification is in it's most basic element giving in to temptation and that is what most religions are all about not doing.

You mean like the temptation to believe to have a personal relationship with the creator of the universe, to be determined by God to go on missions, orgasmic mass rapture, or the power to lead and teach the "sheep"? I rather disagree, since the ultimate reason to be motivated to do something is the expectation of benefit, even if it's only emotional (like giving cheeky comments 4 moar rep).

[MaximiIian]

So is Christianity. Christianity is very linked to and influenced by sun worship in various forms, and of course part of sun worship is its symbolic fertility.

Judaism was, but then it developed into nationalistic monotheism. By the time Christianity came about, it had abandoned all the substance of sun worship and fertility worship. Anything retained is merely symbolic or cultural.

[removeduser_487563287433]

Judaism was, but then it developed into nationalistic monotheism. By the time Christianity came about, it had abandoned all the substance of sun worship and fertility worship. Anything retained is merely symbolic or cultural.

Oh really? You're not aware of the significance of the date of Christmas or what halos are, then?

[Spiff]

Why do so many religions take such a dim view of it? Hedonism is what drives human beings, it's our reason for living. Even the religious value of self denial is just another form of self gratification when you think a bout it for a moment.

Well youre assuming the goal of a religious society is to enable some sort of progression in human development, when in reality i'd say religion attempts to do the exact opposite. Which is to say, it attempts to preserve to status quo in all things by minimising excess in human behaviour - excess being one of the things that leads to conflict in a society.