Is it better to be yourself, even if you are a bad person? (experience, abortion)

Ori · #1 07-20-2005, 07:56 AM

What do you think?

CaptainXeroid · #2 07-20-2005, 08:01 AM

If you don't 'be yourself', who else would you be?

If you're a bad person, stop doing things that make you bad! Get a 'check-up from the neck-up' and change yourself into a good person. That's what I think.

michel · #3 07-20-2005, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orichalcum

What do you think?

never thought of that - I have always considered that to portray yourself as anything other than you are is 1) Not fair on the people around you (they are not getting to know you, but the persona you are portraying) 2) Not fair on yourself, because those who have befriended you are going to respond to someone other that yourself.

The whole syituation is therefore a total charade.

If you are a bad person, and thinking this deeply, then surely you would be trying to change yourself into a 'Good person' - whatever, 'be true unto to thyself' is the opperative dictum in this case (IMO)

EnhancedSpirit · #4 07-20-2005, 08:39 AM

Well, I have always said that there is no such thing as a bad kid, only bad parents. So, with that said. You are of course suppossed to be yourself.

But, you are suppossed to be the you as you were born to be. Not the you that is a result of bad experiences.

Aqualung · #5 07-20-2005, 04:45 PM

I don't think that people are natrually bad, or that there is such a thing as a bad person. I think there are people who feel they need to be bad for one reason or another, or subconciously choose to be bad, but they are not "being themselves." It's just a facade.

The Black Whirlwind · #6 07-20-2005, 05:39 PM

what do you consider a bad person, ori? i for one think Bush is a bad person and should be renamed Darth Oil, but many find him to be a good person. If a pro-lifer were to murder an abortionist, some people would applaud him/her for his "noble" actions, while others would scream "To the gallows with him!!!". I can't make a good judgement on this; should you stick to your correct nature, or be a good person. hard decision.

Seyorni · #7 07-20-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michel

If you are a bad person, and thinking this deeply, then surely you would be trying to change yourself into a 'Good person' - whatever, 'be true unto to thyself' is the opperative dictum in this case (IMO)

I fear you're a bit over-optimistic, mon ami.

Some would argue that it's better to be bad but appear good.

(Didn't this exact discussion occur c. 2,500 years ago, in Athens?)

Shadow Wolf · #8 07-21-2005, 12:42 AM

Being a non-conformist, I say its better to be yourself. Better to be known in infamy than die with no one knowing the real you.

Steve · #9 07-21-2005, 01:07 AM

Define "bad person".
I dont think any of us are perfect, so really compared to perfection we are all bad.

So id say rather then try to justify yourself or be content being a "bad person", its better to recognise that you are bad and then ask God for forgivness, sanctification and help to turn away from sin.

Afterall God knows our condition and was prepared to be tortured and crucified to pay for our sin so if we choose to return to him our sin is paid for at the cross.

He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. Luke 16:15

Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD .
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Enigmata · #10 07-21-2005, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. Luke 16:15

I think this was the most fitting quote although I don't agree with the last sentance. But then again, I don't agree with lots of stuff.

I personally have a hard time picturing myself as a bad person so I would have to say I would rather be myself. I guess that means I wouldn't know any better anyways. O.K. now I have confused myself.