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End in itself
Defined from Philosopher, Blackburn:
Quote
Something desired or aimed at or valued purely for its own sake, rather than as means to anything else (119).
Dictionary.com
Quote
A purpose or goal desired for its own sake (rather than to attain something else). For example, For me, writing books is an end in itself; they don't really make that much money . This expression employs the noun end in the sense of “final cause or purpose,” a usage dating from the early 1500s.
Philosophy meets Theology...
Non-exhaustive:
I deduce that reasonably, theologically, as a biblical Christian, serving God in obedience, would be an end in itself. In other words, it is the aim, regardless of potential positives and negatives resulting. In some instances within the Church, serving God may be an end to itself, just because it is the right thing to do as those in Jesus Christ already have the atoning and resurrection work applied to them through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit (John 3, Titus 3) and as well have everlasting life promised to them (John 3: 16 and Revelation 21-22).
In other instances, some may serve God for potential biblical post-mortem rewards, as there is a judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 10). But any rewards granted are within salvation that is provided by grace through faith alone, for good works and not by good works (Ephesians 1-2).
Some may serve God in obedience, by seeking the salvation of others, including friends and family.
There are many reasons to serve God, obediently.
The Scripture notes that some preach the Gospel for questionable motives and yet it is still preached.
Philippians 1
New American Standard Bible
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Motives are difficult to judge by human beings and at times people have mixed motives.
However, in general I can apply 'end in itself' philosophy as an aspect of philosophy of religion that connects to my Christian faith and theology.
BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
