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If I'm understanding you, I think this could have been stated more succinctly as, "for those who tend towards feelings of guilt, aspiring to martyrdom is self-i
by mftb 4y ago
If I'm understanding you, I think this could have been stated more succinctly as, "for those who tend towards feelings of guilt, aspiring to martyrdom is self-indulgent. They would be better served aspiring to behave honorably".
I think that's largely true, and not very controversial. Aspiring to martyrdom is largely self-indulgent and misguided. Plato had it right in the Republic, the leader is most likely found amongst those reluctant to lead and to the articles point is probably burdened with some level of guilt and feelings of responsibility to others.
- anonymouse008 4y agoYour succinct summary is wonderful. The only reason I felt the need to expand is because I don't think many 'teachings' phrase the lessons in that way. The main teachings I've heard are "believe and be saved" or "faith and works" - both of which omit the direct lesson you put in one sentence, that does build on an interpretation of scriptures. This omission leaves people like me to self-select, without realizing, a 'local maxima' that martyrdom is all there is. Believing that martyrdom is pure soothes high performance anxiety, in an almost 'perfect medication' way. This 'medication' is some people's first step, to become fully 'honorable.' To me, 'honor' is the higher state that I almost missed out on - and even still I recognize my current view of 'honor' as the global maxima may still be surpassed by a divinely nobler aim.
- mftb 4y agoAh very good, I did not want to misrepresent your idea, but eventually I felt I had come to understand and generally agree with it.