So does one have to be a Christian to be compassionate?

[Bluzmann57]

This is the impression that a person may get when viewing this "Compassion Forum" on CNN. Personally, I think it has to do with whether one is a good person, regardless of their beliefs toward religion. I am sick and tired of the concept that one has to be "religious" to be a good person.
On edit- I guess I should have stated that this is a rhetorical question. I have nothing against anyone of any faith. Except people like Robertson and his ilk who try and twist religious beliefs to suit their own needs.

[Nitrogenica]

1. I agree 100%. One can believe whatever they want in a free society.

[canis_lupus]

2. Given the last couple of decades in right-wing politics ...

I think the more appropriate question is "Is it really necessary to be compassionate to be a Christian?"

[sorrybushisfromtexas]

3. I am a Christian that agrees with you ...

100%. There are good people who are Christan and there are a lot of bad people who are Christians. You do not have to be Christian to be a good person for sure.

[AlCzervik]

4. nope, i know more than a few non compassionate believers.

[panader0]

Hell no!

I'm a compassionate heathen!

[BlooInBloo]

5. To Americans, yes.

[Fumesucker]

6. The parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:

25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

[kineneb]

7. No. Compassion is one of the main theme of Buddhism.

So, no, they don't have a corner on the "compassion" thing.

[Stuart G]

8. It is one of the most fucked up questions ever asked.. Compassion has no religion

If someone, and I am not accusing the poster, Bluzmann57 of it, but some forum, even a Compassion Forum, leads people to believe that they must be Christian to be compassionate, they are as fucked as anyone, even Bush. I could rant about this for a week, but what is the use?

[Bluebear]

9. My atheist pals are the biggest bleeding hearts out there. nt

[seabeyond]

10. i will say i do not get the feel from majority of christian that feels that way

that one must be christian to be compassionate or a good person. i live in religious belt with lots of religious, southern baptist. i have talked to a lot and challenge on this, and i unequivocally am told that compassion is not indicative of faith, but character of person, ... even the non believer. so seeing that on media, i would suggest maybe they are promoting that idea, but it is not what i get from the religious i talk to

[varkam]

11. I'd say I was a compassionate atheist...

but I think that's a bit like being feminine or powerful or smart - if you have to say you are, then you probably aren't.

[JerseygirlCT]

12. No. But the two people being asked the questions happen to be so.

So it's not really surprising to hear them answer questions with a Christian tilt. Also, Christianity is by far the dominant religion in this country - so it's not surprising that in a gathering of clergy and others concerned with religion or "faith in public life" that there would be a lot of Christians represented.

I think it would be terrific to see some non-religious ideas represented, personally. But I don't think you should take the overwhelming Christian tilt at this forum as evidence that anyone participating in answering the questions seriously thinks being Christian is a perquisite for being a good person.

[Bluzmann57]

14. Thank you for your insight

I appreciate it. I also think that I should have stated that my question was a rhetorical one. As far as Senators Obama and Clinton, I respect their views. They do indeed represent most of America. But I also think that a person's faith is a private thing and nobody should force his or her beliefs on another.

[JerseygirlCT]

15. Totally agreed about that. nt

[LWolf]

13. Of course not.

The level of compassion is directly related to the depth of empathy one feels. Christianity has no specific claim to empathy or compassion. As a matter of fact, those who use their faith to judge others may have significantly less than those they judge.

This thread demonstrates that quite clearly:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3146600