Happiness

• What is the main idea of secularism regarding happiness?


  Happiness for a secularist negates the idea that God is its ultimate source and destiny.
• How do secularists view the source of happiness?


  Secularists negate the idea that God is the source of happiness.
• What perspective do secularists have on the pursuit of happiness?


  Secularists view happiness from a perspective where God or anything related to religion is completely obliterated.
• What do secularist thinkers focus on in their beliefs?


  Secularist thinkers focus on what is scientific and evidential as influences in the enlightenment.
• What do secularists oppose regarding religion?


  Secularists oppose the manipulation of religion.
• What is the relativist view on absolute happiness?


  Relativism denies the existence of absolute happiness that every man must pursue.
• According to Jesuit James Bretzke, what remains to be investigated in relativism?


  The question of whether morality changes if affected by the context of the people involved remains to be investigated.
• What does relativism suggest about moral values?


  Relativism suggests that moral values are relative to a particular situation or time.
• What is the high goal of relativism according to the study material?


  The high goal of relativism is one’s ego and own desire.
• How is individualism defined in relation to relativism?


  Individualism has an interwoven definition with relativism and subjectivism, emphasizing individual liberty against external authority.
• What does individualism emphasize?


  Individualism emphasizes the importance of the self in opposition to external restraint or assistance.
• How does relativism view the meaning of happiness?


  Relativism holds that the meaning of happiness and its attainment depends on the subject or the person alone.
• What is the relationship between relativism and individualism?


  Relativism and subjectivism always end in an individualistic view.
• What is the individualistic view on external authority and happiness?


  Individualism views that any external authority should not define the meaning of happiness.
• What does the phrase "My truth is what I say" signify in individualism?


  It signifies that the individual determines truth while reality is created.
• What are the consequences of embracing relativism?


  Embracing relativism leads to contradictions, triviality, and absurdity.
• What must be presented when aiming for a common goal or objective?


  All presentations must be objective, evidential, and conformative with reality.
• What is hedonism?

  Hedonism is the doctrine that holds that good is whatever gives you pleasure.
• How do hedonists view pleasure?


  Hedonists view pleasure as the standard of morality.
• What is the relationship between hedonism and asceticism according to Ruth Benhoven?


  Hedonism is contrasted with asceticism, which involves the moral rejection of pleasure.
• What can be a tricky aspect of pursuing happiness according to hedonism?


  People can be torn between different types of pleasure, leading to an unending and destructive cycle.
• What does materialism suggest about values in life?


  Materialism suggests that material possessions, success, and progress are the highest values in life.
• How does consumerism relate to personal wellbeing?


  Consumerism is the belief that personal wellbeing and happiness depend largely on the level of consumption.
• What is the consequence of a consumerist society?


  A consumerist society devotes time, energy, and resources to consumption, believing that more is better.
• How does materialism relate to happiness?


  Happiness becomes dependent on consumption and material possessions.
• What is the relationship between hedonism and consumerism?


  Both hedonism and consumerism lead to a cycle of constant yearning that is only temporary.
• What do psychologists say about being shopaholic?


  Some psychologists say that being shopaholic is a problem stemming from consumerism.
• What does the Greek word "Chara" mean?


  "Chara" means joy.
• What does the New Testament emphasize in relation to happiness?


  The New Testament emphasizes the internal dispositions we need to have.
• What must be considered when determining the morality and ethics of an action?


  One must look at the object, intention, and circumstances of the action.
• What are the Beatitudes and their significance?


  • Call to perfection, eternal life, and eternal happiness
  • Suggest commitment to live out different attitudes to attain graces promised by God
  • True happiness cannot be fully attained in this world but resides in heaven
• What do the Beatitudes of Jesus Christ refer to in Matthew 5:3-10?


  They refer to the need for detachment from riches and honors, resulting from humility.
• What does Jesus say about the poor in spirit?


  Jesus calls blessed those who are poor in spirit, for they allow the Lord to enter with his perennial newness.
• What does it mean to be "hungry" according to the Beatitudes?


  To be hungry means to desire justice and righteousness with great intensity.
• How does Jesus view those who mourn?


  Jesus says those who mourn shall be comforted, as they understand pain and bring relief to others.
• What does it mean to be meek according to the Beatitudes?


  Being meek protects man’s irascible nature from excessive anger and keeps it within reason.
• What is the significance of learning to bide your time?


  Learning to bide your time helps solidify your ideals and prepares you for growth.
• What should you do if you are spending time with the wrong people?

  You have to make a change.
• What is the key to living a happier life according to the study material?


  To live a happier life, you should add good habits instead of subtracting bad ones.
• What does it mean to lose expectations in the context of happiness?


  Losing expectations means focusing on making someone else’s life better rather than what you get.