"Happy psychopath" vs. "tortured Christian" (moral, punishment)

[bigvindaloo]

I wonder if a psychopath capable of (or already guilty of) committing evil deeds and perfectly comfortable morally (in conscience) with their behaviour is better off than a Christian believer, always looking over their shoulder to see if God is watching as they commit another sin. One seems to be devoid of anxiety, while the other seemingly cultivates anxiety by viewing their actions through the moral lense of Big Brother God. Any thoughts?

[sojourner]

The anxiety comes from looking at salvation as a rewards-based proposition, which (I believe) is not Biblical. "Our proper acts are what win us the reward. Our improper acts get us punished." However, if one's outlook is that we are new creatures, reconciled to God, we will want to live according to that outlook and not have to worry about the spurious sin that may occur.

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by bigvindaloo

I wonder if a psychopath capable of (or already guilty of) committing evil deeds and perfectly comfortable morally (in conscience) with their behaviour is better off than a Christian believer, always looking over their shoulder to see if God is watching as they commit another sin. One seems to be devoid of anxiety, while the other seemingly cultivates anxiety by viewing their actions through the moral lense of Big Brother God. Any thoughts?

I'm sorry. I think this is an outrageous question.



Remember the importance of karma, and that as much as releasing ourselves from attachments is important, our actions and intentions take precedence. One who is willing to commit evil deeds is never "better off" than an everyday "anxious" Christian.




Peace,
Mystic

[angellous_evangellous]

I thought psychopaths could do anything.

[MysticSang'ha]

Of course. But, unlike the everyday "anxious" Christian, psychopaths just refuse to acknowledge any kind of moral compass except their own whims.




I prefer the company of the "anxious" Christian, thank you.





Peace,
Mystic

[michel]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

Of course. But, unlike the everyday "anxious" Christian, psychopaths just refuse to acknowledge any kind of moral compass except their own whims.




I prefer the company of the "anxious" Christian, thank you.





Peace,
Mystic

I think this must be a record, Heather!

This must be the first time I have found myself not quite agreeing with you.

I wonder if a psychopath capable of (or already guilty of) committing evil deeds and perfectly comfortable morally (in conscience) with their behaviour is better off than a Christian believer, always looking over their shoulder to see if God is watching as they commit another sin. One seems to be devoid of anxiety, while the other seemingly cultivates anxiety by viewing their actions through the moral lense of Big Brother God. Any thoughts?

My understanding is that a psychopath has no ability to feel any emotional or moral reaction to any act that she/he does (it isn't a case of not wanting to). As such, I think the psychopath probabkly is happier in life than the 'sane' Christian.
You might find this useful..............


http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/2435
Psychopaths have physical abnormalities in two key brain structures responsible for functions ranging from fear detection to information processing, a neuroscientist has found in two studies that suggest a neuro-developmental basis to the disorder. The researcher focused his studies on two parts of the brain: the hippocampus, a portion of the temporal lobe that regulates aggression and transfers information into memory; and the corpus callosum, a bridge of nerve fibers that connects the cerebral hemispheres. "We don't do bad things because we will feel bad about it," Raine said. "Psychopaths don't have those feelings - they do not have a conscience. That means they can be callous and manipulative. They don't care about other people. If they can get what they want from life by hurting other people, they'll do it."

[Scarlett Wampus]

Michel psychopaths can be anxious people and can find life highly stressful. Not having a conscience doesn't prevent that. If anything it can contribute to anxiety and stress since not having a conscience brings them into conflict with others. For instance, I was told by one of the few psychoanalysts in the UK who would actively work with criminally insane people that the personality profile used for the lead computer programmer in Jurassic Park fits quite well with the psychopathic patients she's had to work with.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Michel psychopaths can be anxious people and can find life highly stressful. Not having a conscience doesn't prevent that. If anything it can contribute to anxiety and stress since not having a conscience brings them into conflict with others. For instance, I was told by one of the few psychoanalysts in the UK who would actively work with criminally insane people that the personality profile used for the lead computer programmer in Jurassic Park fits quite well with the psychopathic patients she's had to work with.

I don't argue that, but you do agree that they are incapable of feeling guilt ?

[Rejected]

Originally Posted by bigvindaloo

I wonder if a psychopath capable of (or already guilty of) committing evil deeds and perfectly comfortable morally (in conscience) with their behaviour is better off than a Christian believer, always looking over their shoulder to see if God is watching as they commit another sin. One seems to be devoid of anxiety, while the other seemingly cultivates anxiety by viewing their actions through the moral lense of Big Brother God. Any thoughts?

Not that I'm advocating the psychopathic, but I would think that the psycho is better off. The only thing he has to worry about is getting caught by the human authorities, which have proven themselves a million times over to be far from perfect. If he's smart he really doesn't a whole lot to worry about. TheChristian, on the other hand, knows he cannot escape judgment and punishment, even for the smallest transgression, and thus has that constantly weighing on his conscience. Also, the Christian knows that when the time comes for him to "pay the piper" it will be for eternity.

Although a psychopathic Christian would have the best of both worlds. No moral repercussions to inhibit behavior and a religious justification for his actions, or the promise of salvation if he repents regardless of his deeds. Sort of a holy hit man, if you will.

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Michel psychopaths can be anxious people and can find life highly stressful. Not having a conscience doesn't prevent that. If anything it can contribute to anxiety and stress since not having a conscience brings them into conflict with others. For instance, I was told by one of the few psychoanalysts in the UK who would actively work with criminally insane people that the personality profile used for the lead computer programmer in Jurassic Park fits quite well with the psychopathic patients she's had to work with.

Hold on to your butts.




Peace,
Mystic