(July 27, 2013 at 2:31 am)Kayenneh Wrote: I have a hard time understanding why pleasure is wrong (unless you're a sadist taking pleasure in hurting people, who aren't consenting). I think the religious basis of not viewing pleasure in a positive way, is because if your earthly life is filled with pleasure and goodness, who would need a heaven? It might be also about that without strife and adversity you can't be tested by your gods and never prove that you are worthy and strong enough to get through hardship and thus earn your way to the perfect paradise after life. Then there is of course the stigma associated with certain pleasures, which stem both from culture and religion, e.g. promiscuity, and substance use.
As it was said already, everything in moderation. A pleased person is a happy person and happy people are more productive and pleasing to be around.
What makes you believe Christians do not enjoy pleasure, we do as long as it's not sinful pleasure. Read the book Song of Solomon in the Bible, I would suggest something other than the King James. We also and firstly receive pleasure serving God, we enjoy living life, we enjoy serving others. Going on bike trips and white water kayaking (use to be one of my favorites until I hurt my back), I can still canoe on calmer waters. I tournament fished for many years, I still hunt and do wood work. I know many Christians that are very active in things like marathon runs, hiking and ect. We do not find pleasure in the things we consider sinful, it bothers us to do so, in other words it makes us feel bad thus no real pleasure.
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.
