Michael Josephson preaches the religion of self hatred but calls it "character counts"

I have just browsed through the statement regarding self loathing and self hatred combined with the need for selfless ethical living. 40 years ago when I was studying ethics in theological college in Wales we were able to see the dangers of 'ethics' based on opinion and not subject to the objective standards of scripture. It was called situational ethics and discussion revealed you cannot have an ethic unless based on an objective standard such as given in Scripture

For me the situation is simple if you do not follow the objective teachings of the bible you end up with mere humanism where as long as you feel good about something then it is 'ethical'. The teachings of 'ethics' apart from the objective standard of the revealed Word of God are mere opinion - often contradictory and self pleasing. 'Ethics' in a vacuum is a nonsense as it depends entirely on the prejudices of the teacher. An atheist may decide abortion is a positive way to deal with an unwanted pregnancy as its just an inconvenience to be destroyed. A psychologist may decide it is a dangerpous thing to do as it causes tremendous damage to a mother's psyche. a Christian would say let the life be born and the child brought up with both mother and child having the support of society. 'Ethics' is not an objective standard and although much of the principles being promulgated may be wholesome its still only the opinion of a group.

Giving a bit more thought to your post in Discussion Thread thank you first of all I truly appreciate your input, and maybe others will come along to either support you or add their thoughts.
I have not been very well since your post due to a sickness bug you may have read of in another thread, but wanting to add whilst thinking a little more..and wish to add.
People want to find a pattern in everything I find, but don't make necessarily A REALITY
We can come to a conclusion on this is the norm,.
but in knowing God as a Bornagain experience opens up a experience way beyond the norm and the difference open our heart to God our creator , in that we loose self will, which is gain ACTUALLY if you would care to imagine or explore. To isolate our conclusions on this as the norm and in knowing in a Born-again experience of knowing God's ultimate plan, in our lives in submitting to his infinite knowledge goes far beyond our knowledge.
Unless we submit to Him our creator God and his infinite wisdom we miss the point of our existance.
I once had been there and it is my hope that others would take onboard and even pray please
ask God to reveal himself to you the reader which I am confident will make all the difference.
Blessings Elaine.

Hi rhb100,
Thank you for posting your thoughts, although I cannot agree that "Michael Josephson preaches a religion misery, poverty self hatred" in reminding us that Character Counts whilst it is honourable to pursue, following a dream of getting rich or famous without achieving by means at expense of others being hurt, it is quite a task for even the most noble, to do. The heart is most deceitful and good intentions is not enough, greed can get to us, out of the heart of man evil thoughts can proceed and acted upon for none of us are that pure and be blameless in getting the goal we desire. The bible teach us that coveteousness is not merely forbidden but classified as "idolatry"
It must be supposed that this kind of idolatry motivates an inordinate amount of human behaviour.
Luke 12 :15 warn us of this: "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not {even} when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."
Whilst watching the BBC news yesterday was brought to attention in New York, shoppers being questioned on what they would pay for example a handbag at a pricely sum, and each person happy to purchase, along that shopping area were many homeless living out of a shopping trolly.
To my mind the American dream come at a price too...what price concience, when a fellow man walk pass your side in need.
We see this happen just about everywhere but thanks be to God all this will come to an end.
Watch your thoughts; they lead to attitudes.
Watch your attitudes; they lead to words.
Watch your words; they lead to actions.
Watch your actions; they lead to habits.
Watch your habits; they form your character.
Watch your character; it determines your destiny.
(author unknown)
As a Christian and looking forward to my eternal Home my goal is to to guard my heart asking The Lord Jesus for his help in all my doings in the hope of being acceptable in his sight.
Blessings Elaine.

Michael Josephson preaches the religion of misery, poverty, self hatred but calls it, "character counts". He does not understand that self-interest is a part of morality. But the brilliant atheistic, author and philosopher, the late Ayn Rand, has written extensively on the virtues of selfishness both in her novels and in her articles. The greatness of America is based on capitalism and the profit motive inspired by the virtues of selfishness. Other economic systems which eschew selfishness such as communism and socialism involve both a loss of freedom and economic well being. For example, compare North Korea with the United States of America.
Self interest is not something we should approach half heartedly with a sense of shame. We should instead take pride in our selfishness and pursuit of the profit motive. This should of course be done without fraud or the initiation of force. The so-called profits obtained through fraud or initiation of the use of force are really not profits but instead the results of plunder. There may be some who say Michael Josephson should be given a pass that he merely lacks a clear understanding of the fundamental moral basis of capitalism. But the fact that he does not understand that morality is based on self-interest and the profit motive not altruism and self-sacrifice condemns him as an enemy of al those who believe in capitalism, human liberty, and individual freedom. We should strive to live the good life, to become prosperous and wealthy, to achieve the American Dream and we should make no apologies about doing so.