Wow!

[yakalskovich]

"The core of morality is really the prevention of suffering."

-- some Austrian priest just now on TV, in a documentary about gay people and the church there, about why the church should change its attitude

Comments

[tekalynn.livejournal.com]

*APPLAUSE*

I like to phrase it as "We're not here to make things harder for other people." Though of course, far too often, we do.

[yakalskovich]

That priest who was being interviewed went on to say that as human beings with the experience of suffering we can feel empathy with the present or potential suffering of other people, and from that perspective prevent whatever would cause them (or ourselves!) more suffering, and that was the basis of a personal morality, as he would see it. People like to look to authorities to tell them what their morality should be, but this is the better, more human way. I like the hint of a Buddhist influence in this way of thinking, too. That sort of Christianity, I can live with having around.