Humanist Philosophy Of Punishment

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The believed Golden Rule of the humanists consists of "[Treating] other people in a way you would like to be treated yourself" (“Thinking about ethics”). The philosophy of Humanists “believed that the universe and, therefore, people, were basically good and that doing good for others was the best way to worship a loving God” (Lawson). However, Puritans believe that “the world was fallen and that people were sinners who feared hell and desired heaven but could be redeemed only through the grace of an angry, yet just, God” (Lawson). In most instances, people want to do good by helping a fellow man; however, the reward and punishment system that fuels the moral of the Puritans is also a present belief amongst humans.
Robert G Ingersoll, a 19th …show more content…
Matthew 5.3-12 proclaims that “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy [and] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (New International Version). This bible quote emphasizes the idea that when people bring goodness unto others a reward will be given and one should strive toward a reward system to achieve happiness. The opposition to the reward system is the punishment system. People fear the consequences of doing unjust acts to others and to themselves. People fear the judgment of others. This fear, occasionally unconsciously, gives rise to the punishment system. Peer pressure is a popular example that exemplifies the puritan view point; when humans feel pressured into a situation the fear of consequences or punishment will arise. According to the puritan values, humans will value goodness for rewards given by modern societal norms and shall do good in fear of peer judgment and punishment. Puritan values stem from religious texts and beliefs, giving rise to a higher sense of reward and punishment system due to the beliefs in a God. A highly regarded puritan sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, acknowledges that “…wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downward with great weight and pressure toward hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into a
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