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"Prodigal God", pages 58-60
ReplyDeleteThe book talks about how are fastidious in complying with ethical norms and fulfilling traditional family, community, and civic responsibilities. However, it is a slavish, joyless drudgery, having overtones of being forced or pushed rather than being drawn or attracted. The slave works out of fear - fear of consequences imposed by force. Thus, the elder brother lives a good life out of fear, not out of joy and love.
For example, if a business person lies, it is bad for business because if s/he is caught, it would be bad for business. On the other hand, being honest boosts the morale of the employees who know they are working for an honest business and are in this way a cut above the competition. But these reasons only appeal to fear (that they might lose profits) or pride (feelings of superiority).
The problem with this is that when telling a lie would be stupendously advantageous, the motivation for honesty will evaporate.
It is one thing to not tell lies for your own sake, but it is another to do so for God's sake, the truth's sake, and for love of the people around you.
The problem is that honesty born of fear does not root out the fundamental root of evil in this world - the radical self-centeredness of the human heart. . . .
Elder brothers may do good to others, but not out of delight for the deeds themselves, for the love of people, or for the pleasure of God.
They are not really feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, they are feeding and clothing themselves.
The heart's fundamental self-centeredness is not only kept intact, but is nurtured by fear-based moralism. Underneath the seeming unselfishness is a great self-centeredness.