re: Honest question: what defines who a person is,

There’s a lot of weird “meat suit” type comments in this thread as if the body isn’t important.

What defines a person is the totality of mind, body, soul. That said, you can tell more about the character of person by their actions over their words. Words are important, too. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. But actions reveal what truly matters to a person.

quote:

---

But who we are lies somewhere in between our best and worst moments.

---

Dumb.

quote:

---

Dumb

---

I'm guessing you haven't had enough good moments to qualify.

Solely the choices they have made. That and a meat suit bone bio mech

Not what, but who.

Because God gave me conscienesnous, I am able to participate in becoming who I am, who I wish to become, and who God wishes me to be.

I have no real control over what anyone else may think. I can say or do all manner of things, but even Jesus was not loved by all, in spite of (or, perhaps, because of) his words and actions.

In my opinion it’s as simple as how someone treats others, at least that is mostly how I define people - how closely they practice the “Golden Rule”.

Ultimately we’re all defined by the standards/definitions of the “definer”. Some will define you based on wealth, education, looks, etc. I’ll define you by how you treat me and others. Rich/poor, smart/ignorant, beautiful /ugly - that doesn’t define a person in my eyes.

quote:

---

Honest question: what defines who a person is,

---

This board.


(Honest answer: The way one lives their life day to day, in words and deeds.

We can say what we want about ourselves but those who speak of us and remember us after we’re gone will be reflective of who we probably actually were.)

quote:

---

Matthew 21:28-31 answers the question perfectly.

---

You get an A+ in Biblical Theology, Sir!

Much respect!

quote:

---

Atheists say you don't need a God to tell you murder/rape/theft/torture/etc is wrong/bad/immoral because the majority has a built-in avoidance as they already know it causes them pain. Whereas, the minority doing the murdering/raping/stealing/torturing/etc brings them gratification/pleasure.

---

Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV):
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Or trash those you consider your enemies on message boards.

You can’t summarize how all Atheists think any easier than you can summarize how all Christians think.

Also, an atheist is just someone who doesn’t believe in god(s). It sounds like you might be thinking of hedonism or the views of Sigmund Freud, or some other group?

I would argue that most people, believers or non-believers, believe in morality outside of pleasure seeking or pain avoidance.

Also, what greater pleasure seeking is there than trying to go to heaven? Or pain avoidance than trying to avoid hell?

If Christianity didn’t promise eternity in Heaven or eternal damnation, would it even still exist?