Pandora wrote:
I didn't say anything about abortion dude...
And I'm fine if you disagree with me, and I'm fine if you believe something different than me, that's alright. Not everyone believes the same thing. That's just respectful.
But do NOT tell me that my belief is an unjustified cop out. That is NOT respectful at all.
And I'd have you know that there are plenty of people of many religions who don't just sit on their asses and say "suffering is a part of life." There are lots that actually go to those areas of suffering and try to help. I'd like to ad that another of Buddha's teaching is "I do not believe in the fate of the man who acts, I believe in the fate of the man who does nothing." Meaning, action is more important than inaction. It is worse to see something going on and do nothing about it than to do something and have an undesired result. The fate that befalls the man that does nothing is his own fault.
I know you didn't mention abortions. Whether or not they count or "experience happiness" is up to you because I can't make up my mind. I'd be interested to hear your take on it though.
As for offending your beliefs, that specific belief is held by many religions, I wasn't targeting yours specifically. It's a way they can make an excuse for suffering with a supernatural being or force existing. I say I think it's a cop out because that's exactly what it sounds like, or more specifically a false dichotomy. There is not only suffering and happiness, and one does not necessitate the other. Most of the time is middle ground both physically and emotionally. One does not need to suffer to find pleasure. One *does* need to suffer a prolonged period of time to find pleasure in what was previously normal but in such a case no actual progress has been made.
And as for the last bit, I've always been one of those "I don't care about effort, I care about results" people. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Granted being able to help and not is probably the worst thing possible but going in there trying to help and making things worse isn't acceptable to me no matter the intentions.