When your whole worldview is built on the assumption of a metaphysical reality that denies the meaningfulness, importance, and significance of this world, it follows that you will deny and ignore the depth and reality of the present (time). Enslaved by this "lie," ethics become hollow and self-serving, regarded only as a means to a delusional, non-existent future. The goal and purpose become self preservation and ego serving.
Don't get me wrong. I believe that to do the right thing, for whatever reason, is necessary and beneficial for humankind. It is the motivation that concerns me and that I address today. I remember Richard Burton's portrayal of Becket and his agonizing soliloquy at the alter. To paraphrase---"Do I do the right thing for the wrong reason? What benefit is that to me?"
Judaism grasped early the meaning and purpose of ethics. The Law is a gift that enables us, guides us in the expression of joy and gratitude for the life we have been given. It, the Law, doing the right thing, does not earn us anything. Its purpose is NOT the attainment of some reward in a non-existent future. Ethics are our purpose for being, raison d'etre as we used to say in graduate school. Christianity, beginning with Paul, misunderstood. It and he misdirected us from the life-giving path of communal purpose to the path of life-taking individualism. "God" does not want show-boating, self-serving, egotistical proclamations. What does "God" want? Micah said it over 2600 years ago:
DO JUSTICE, LOVE KINDNESS, WALK HUMBLY. This is the "good."
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