Does the means justify the ends or ends justify the means ? (religion, self)

[buddy5]

I believe it depends on the subject, but usually, I side with the means. As a Christian (Southern Baptist/Church of God), how you do things (your methods to achieve goals), is more important than the end results.

[ukrkoz]

So, you are basically saying that good intentions, in your Christian type of faith (YOU pointed that out, not me) are all that matters?
You know, what roads are paved with them, right?

[buddy5]

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

So, you are basically saying that good intentions, in your Christian type of faith (YOU pointed that out, not me) are all that matters?
You know, what roads are paved with them, right?

1. I believe it depends on the subject, but usually, I side with the means.

2. I have heard that, but bad intentions will get you there quicker.

So, I answered your two questions, are you going to answer my original question?

[ukrkoz]

Originally Posted by buddy5

I believe it depends on the subject, but usually, I side with the means. As a Christian (Southern Baptist/Church of God), how you do things (your methods to achieve goals), is more important than the end results.

Show me a question.
2 sentences, 2 statements.
I pointed out that in your statement, "mean" is equivalent to "intention" and it is proverbial that good intentions pave road to hell.
Did I clarify my observation?




I'd dare to add this:
There is wisdom in the East, saying: One that travels without moving, achieves his goal the fastest way.
As a Christian, you should consent to simple truth that EVERYTHING is god's will. As in - everything. Maybe, "helping" others is, actually, acting against that will? Maybe, it is best to not to interfere, or, to move without moving?

[Thoreau424]

Originally Posted by buddy5

As a Christian (Southern Baptist/Church of God), how you do things (your methods to achieve goals), is more important than the end results.

That might be your approach, but I'd dispute that is the norm, or should be the norm.

I've thankfully moved beyond such simplistic modes of living. I do what makes the most sense, regardless of cause and effect. Religion - like other modes of thought - can end up with the subject playing by too many other people's rules. It's best to move beyond that, and above that. Be a leader rather than a follower and copier.

[Clintone]

Originally Posted by buddy5

I believe it depends on the subject, but usually, I side with the means. As a Christian (Southern Baptist/Church of God), how you do things (your methods to achieve goals), is more important than the end results.

That, of course, depends entirely on what the ends are and the means are

[Danbo1957]

You need to achieve your ends, or you’ve made things worse. Trying but Failing is Failure with an excuse...

[TwoByFour]

I am a "process" guy myself. In other words, I put more emphasis on a good process for coming to a decision than on the decision itself. This is important for difficult problems in which the final result or decision is going to be criticized by many people. If you used an ironclad process to end up at the result, the result is less assailable as being faulty.

The end result of this is it doesn't matter what the "ends" are and no justification is needed. If you followed true "means" to get to the ends, everything is self-justified.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

End justify the means? Often not, but the winner gets to write the history.