Why Do People Naturally Good

Goodness - Natural or Caused by Religion
Everyone knows the textbook definition of good: "morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious" (Dictionary.com). But this definition does not answer the evergrowing question: do people do good deeds because of religious reasons or because humans are naturally good? The Puritans were part the colonial period, were extremely religious and hardworking, and believed that people do good deeds out of fear of an angry God. However, the Humanists, who were part of the revolutionary period, based their beliefs on logic and reason and believed that people do good deeds to make the world a better place and help their fellow man. In most instances, people do good deeds to help others and receive an inner happiness
Benjamin Franklin, a proud humanist, promoted his belief that "well done is better than well said" (Benjamin Franklin > Quotes). This idea is another way of saying, "actions speak louder than words," which is an extremely common aphorism. Society promotes getting on one's feet and taking action. People then begin to support everyone around them. There is a positivity ring around the world, which leads people to do good just because they feel it is right. Doing Good is a mutual admiration society for people who encourage life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Members of this society donate and volunteer in their community. Every meeting celebrates the positivity they have spread and the members discuss bigger projects they can begin. Doing Good does not make a profit off of their members, and the members do not make a profit from doing good deeds (Josh). Because the member of the society do not make a profit, they choose to do these acts of kindness just to better the world. This society proves the idea that people are naturally good, and their actions are caused by a longing for
Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan pastor, explained in his most famous sermon, "your healthy constitution... and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a fallen rock" (Edwards). This image deeply affected his audience. Edwards used the fear of Hell to lock the crowd's attention and convince them to praise God. This fear led his followers to help their fellow men in order to please God. Although society today is not as extreme as Edwards, there is still an underlying fear of Hell that will never go away. The Bible declares that the people going to Hell are, "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). In order to stay out of Hell, people do good deeds to make up for all of their sins. Fear sounds like a good way to spread positive actions through the world, but what about the people who are not religious? Some people practice other religions, or choose not to practice one at all. Although it seems perfect on the surface, the fear of Hell does not always cause people to do good