What makes a good....?

A topic arose in one of the GDF threads about "Good Christians."

So, the question is, in your view, what makes a GOOD Christian? Or a good Buddhist, or Hindu, or Muslim, or Neo-Pagan or whatever? Does everyone believe in the same blue print of how to be a good believer?

For some strange reason, sorry, I have an image of the current Pope patting the head of a Christian, and in a patronising voice saying - "There's a good, servile, blindly believing Christian." Bad? Perhaps. But then it also must be asked, for example with Catholics, is there a difference between being a good follower in the eyes of the Church, and actually being a good Catholic/Christian in your own eyes? Or in holy books? Do such sources of religion ever seem to conflict with what you believe constitutes a good member of your religion?

This is where it gets confusing. Because of the Bible, and if you take it as a whole, and literal, you have the "Do not judge", which is good, but then you also have the "Go and convert all the world." Converting the world tends to be confusing to many, and that is where the "Do not judge" gets blurry for many...I feel that living it is better than preaching it. More is caught than taught as they say. And Many are stuck on "In your face or you'll go to hell" teachings.

A good Buddhist takes refuge in the enlightened one, his teachings, and the community of Buddhists.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
A topic arose in one of the GDF threads about "Good Christians."

So, the question is, in your view, what makes a GOOD Christian? Or a good Buddhist, or Hindu, or Muslim, or Neo-Pagan or whatever? Does everyone believe in the same blue print of how to be a good believer?

For some strange reason, sorry, I have an image of the current Pope patting the head of a Christian, and in a patronising voice saying - "There's a good, servile, blindly believing Christian." Bad? Perhaps. But then it also must be asked, for example with Catholics, is there a difference between being a good follower in the eyes of the Church, and actually being a good Catholic/Christian in your own eyes? Or in holy books? Do such sources of religion ever seem to conflict with what you believe constitutes a good member of your religion?

Let's look at the definition, shall we:

good (gd) KEY

ADJECTIVE:
bet·ter (btr) KEY , best (bst) KEY
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital.

Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint; a good joke.
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?

Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.

Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste.
Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.
Attractive; handsome: good looks.
Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.
Competent; skilled: a good machinist.
Complete; thorough: a good workout.

Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Full: It is a good mile from here.

Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
Sports
Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay: Good heavens! Good grief!
NOUN:

Something that is good.
A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.
Welfare; benefit: for the common good.
Goodness; virtue: There is much good to be found in people.
goods
Commodities; wares: frozen goods.
Portable personal property.
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
goods Slang Incriminating information or evidence: tried to get the goods on the crook.
ADVERB:
Informal
Well.

(I emphasise on the underlined part)

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
A topic arose in one of the GDF threads about "Good Christians."

So, the question is, in your view, what makes a GOOD Christian? Or a good Buddhist, or Hindu, or Muslim, or Neo-Pagan or whatever? Does everyone believe in the same blue print of how to be a good believer?

For some strange reason, sorry, I have an image of the current Pope patting the head of a Christian, and in a patronising voice saying - "There's a good, servile, blindly believing Christian." Bad? Perhaps. But then it also must be asked, for example with Catholics, is there a difference between being a good follower in the eyes of the Church, and actually being a good Catholic/Christian in your own eyes? Or in holy books? Do such sources of religion ever seem to conflict with what you believe constitutes a good member of your religion?

Hey Imperial Samura, I see you have stumbled upon a troubling predicament but in fact it is a blessing in disguise. You see, your very act in questioning your beliefs is action itself. You do not have to choose between the choices available because truth is a pathless land.