After class on Friday, my mind was still registering "not able to compute" error on the topic of selfish/unselfish. Maybe I am kicking a dead horse, but since that seems to be the job of philosophy :-), I shall continue to kick.

I will be one of the first to say that humans are incapable of doing any good due to the total depravity of our fallen states. However, we do have common grace, regeneration, and sanctification (which are life long processes) through the works of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [of course, absolute truth is known through/by them, so that settles the other part of the discussion in class on Friday]

I think that we were failing to make a distinction on Friday which may be the cause of my angst. When we talk of actions, motives, thoughts, deeds, etc., I think there are three classes in which everything falls: moral (where unselfish is the norm), immoral (where selfish is the norm), and amoral (where selfish/unselfish do not apply). In class, I thought we were saying there are only two camps: selfish and unselfish (that is what I am disagreeing with most). Our example of opening the door for someone was debated. For most people, that action can be considered amoral--and the terms selfish/unselfish do not apply. One may be chivalrous (sp?) or do it out of habit or politeness or 'it is the right thing to do'. Of course, amoral things can become moral or immoral--if you open the door in hopes of getting them to put their guard down so you can mug them--that is obviously immoral! Getting a drink of water was said to be selfish since it satisfies your thirst, but it was added that not all selfishness is wrong. I consider drinking water as amoral and at times, moral--our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are commanded to take care of it and treat it as such. Drinking water is needed to survive. Same thing goes for eating--some of us find eating a total waste of time and money but a necessity to live. Some go selfish and switch to immoral eating called gluttony. Another example--loving your children and wanting what is best for them. This is moral--we are called to love one another ('love is not selfish', etc.). Some may switch to selfish gains to live their lives through their kids, but that is not the case for everyone. Final example--recreation and relaxation. On Friday, I assume most would say it is selfish. But is it necessarily so? Yes, you do it for yourself, but several times recreation/relaxation is amoral and can't be described as selfish. We are called to take breaks since it rejuvenates us and makes us better equipped to do our calling in life. A burnt-out pastor is of no good, so therefore breaks are also altruistic in some respects. Obviously, this example/activity can easily switch to immoral when one becomes lazy and idle and only does recreational things (many college students do not have a healthy/moral balance of study/recreation!).

Selfishness comes from lack of contentment. But remember that "Godliness and contentment is great gain." And the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self control) also makes us less selfish.

Where am I going with this? I still think that some people are more unselfish than selfish. Just because I tend to be selfish in many things, that does not mean that everyone fails in that area. I know some elderly saints who I have never seen a selfish act in them. Of course, we may be selfish in some areas and not others. So I would totally agree with the author when he said we can dismiss the thought that 'everything everyone does is for selfish reasons'. I just think it is easier to dismiss than he was making it.