2006-06-07 14:11:52 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
So far there are nine answers.
Why are you so defensive? Almost all of you are being very defensive. Do you even know why? I do. You're mimiking the Atheist(s) that you learned how to be an atheist by watching. Don't feel bad. That's a very useful reflex that we would not have survived without. It's how you learned to walk... to talk... to eat. Lord knows noone could formally teach you anything at that age.
For the record... I don't give a damn what you believe. I just need to know how well this shiny thing works.
2006-06-07 14:22:47 · update #1
Yes. I'm a pretty decent guy. I've got flaws, just like anyone, but I'm a pretty good guy.
2006-06-11 05:17:07 · answer #1 · answered by wrathpuppet 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I consider myself a far more decent person as an atheist than I ever was as a Christian. Christians (generally speaking) follow a philosophy that allows them to commit any heinous act they so choose, so long as they "repent" (apologize to a non-existent entity).
After finally ridding myself of that curse, I adopted the philosophy:
"Intentionally cause no malicious harm."
And if I do so, I must make direct amends proportionate with the harm caused. Which causes me to think several times before I do anything of consequence.
I only wish other people would adopt the same philosophy; the world would be a much better place, in my opinion.
2006-06-07 21:22:07 · answer #2 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Not trying at all. Fortunately (for everyone else) i happen to be a decent guy. Just because. Not trying to make sky-daddy happy, not trying to be rewarded, just being who i am. Not even trying to get more from Santa, although i guess you could say i am being good for goodness sakes.
and everyone is being defensive because of the way you worded your question. Not that i can think of any good way to word the question "can an atheist be a good person"
how would Christians react to " Christians: can any of you foster a rational thought for a few seconds?" They would be defensive because it is insulting just like your question is. Not to mention your analysis of why everyone is so defensive.
2006-06-08 01:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by Glenn 3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheists make up less than 1% of the US prison population. Christians are over 70%. The answer belies the question.
http://holysmoke.org/icr-pri.htm
Oh yeah, the BTK killer was a devout follower of Jesus Christ. He's just one of countless rotten people that call themselves Christian.
You're throwing stones in a glass home. It's not safe.
And I'm not even an Atheist.
2006-06-07 21:18:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you are an atheist doesn't mean you disregard morals. I think it is a ridiculous blanket statement to assume that all atheists are immoral bad people. I still believe in all the basic christian morals. No killing, stealing, lying, committing adultery, etc. I often find that I am more virtuous than some devote Christians.
2006-06-07 21:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think so.
I think we all mostly act as much as we can toward a world as we would have it be. So, when we find opportunities to treat people well, and if we like the sort of world where people are decent to each other, then we treat people well.
I think this is a larger idea than any mere religion can offer. I do not think that at every turn a believer is acting only after consulting his deity. I think that like me, he/she acts as they think best, as they wish the world to actually be.
2006-06-07 21:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by xaviar_onasis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What? I am a decent guy. Do you think that just because I don't believe in a god that I am not decent. I resent that.
It doesn't take a belief in a god to be a good person and believing in a god sure doesn't automatically make someone a good person.
2006-06-07 21:20:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The world is full of good ole boys and girls.
Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
We all must eat (assimilate or consume knowledge) of the tree of life (Jesus Christ), to live for ever.
That's God's plan of salvation.
Being decent is good but have you passed from death unto life.
2006-06-07 21:16:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just because someone is atheist doesnt mean they're not decent, what kind of stereotypical comment is that? people have their reasons for believing or not and u should respect them. now im not a guy or and atheist, but i believe that no one should be judged by what they do or do not believe in
2006-06-07 21:16:30 · answer #9 · answered by amber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what makes you think atheists are all guys?
haha.
Sorry, I just had to say that. I'm not an atheist though. But I know several decent ones.
2006-06-07 21:13:51 · answer #10 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could never pull of being a guy. Seriously.
I try to live my life as well as I can, be as happy as I can, and raise my children to be decent people.
2006-06-07 21:20:00 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋