Dignity

What value, if any, does dignity have for the Christian?

[BluffTHIS!]

Another trick question with a hidden agenda no doubt.

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Another trick question with a hidden agenda no doubt.

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I assure you that's not what it is. Since it apparently wasn't very clear to anyone, let me expand my question, and give my answer.

I'm asking what value dignified behavior has in the life of a Christian, if he lives by the bible? By dignity I'm talking self-respect, poise, acting with "inherent nobility and worth" (dictionary.com), etc.

I think that Christian teachings are against dignity in its followers. Turning the other cheek isn't what I would call dignified behavior. Lying prostrate before God also is not dignified. Therefore, I don't think dignity has any value for Christian life. Correct me if I'm wrong.

On the other hand, dignity seems very important for atheists and even nontheistic religions. Having dignity seems to imply that one values one's life while on earth. It can even be an act of rebellion against death, against the temptation to weakness -- a worthy display of inner strength. Whereas Christians (should?) turn against human pride, atheists should live to prove that it exists.

I'm not poking fun at Christians, just trying to see what their take on this is, if I'm right about their view on dignity.

[BluffTHIS!]

There is a difference between dignity, that is, the innate worth that every individual has as a result of his being a child of God, and which demands that he be treated with respect by others, and the use of the word you are giving it, which is merely self-pride. While part of the meaning of the dignity of God's children means that they also should respect and value themselves, humility is a greater virtue.

"There is a difference between dignity, that is, the innate worth that every individual has as a result of his being a child of God, and which demands that he be treated with respect by others, and the use of the word you are giving it, which is merely self-pride."

Self-pride is the display of that innate worth if we are talking about ACTING with dignity. You are saying that Christians have dignity but should not give an outward appearance of it?

"While part of the meaning of the dignity of God's children means that they also should respect and value themselves, humility is a greater virtue."

Humility is devaluing oneself. How can both be virtues at the same time if they are opposites? Are there certain times that call for one and other times that call for the other?

[BluffTHIS!]

There is no contradiction in one correctly valuing himself and recognizing his fundamental dignity, while at the same time acknowledging his limitations and shortcomings and acting with humility in his relations with others and before God. However the true contradiction is having an inflated ego and notion of one's self-worth and acting pridefully and arrogantly with others and before God.

[Borodog]

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Turning the other cheek isn't what I would call dignified behavior.

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Why not?

Keeping one's dignity under assault seems in large part to mean not sinking to their level, turning to their tactics, etc.

[Jeff V]

Why would it be different than anyone else's ?

[hmkpoker]

What the hell does this question mean?

[RJT]

EV,

Read the book or watch the movie <u>To Kill A Mockingbird</u>. Check out the scene when Bob Ewell spits in Atticus Finch’s face. In the book Atticus remarks later, when talking about the incident, “I wish Bob Ewell wouldn’t chew tobacco”. The movie shows Atticus taking his handkerchief out of his pocket and with utter restraint simply wiping Ewell’s tobacco juiced saliva from his own face.

Atticus Finch is perhaps the most (certainly in the top 5) dignified character in all of literature (not limited to American Lit.) in my opinion. If you are familiar with the TKAM, then you have the answer to your question. If Atticus Finch doesn't answer your question, then I think you really aren’t looking for the Christian viewpoint of dignity.

RJT