Why would the idea of absolution even matter to an Atheist,?

Question

When we have concepts like making amends, or trying to do better?

what, you're telling me that because you don't believe in Atheists, they don't exist? Look at your own belief system before you hand me that line, because by your own reasoning, there are no true believers, either.

Answer 1

Generally speaking, no. At least not in the sense of absolution as provided by the Catholic church.

However, when an atheist has wronged someone he or she is as in need of forgiveness as any of the faithful. That forgiveness just needs to come from the person who was wronged (or even society as a whole) instead of being meted out by a god.

Now, the truth is that because there are no eternal consequences to wronging someone this is not an actual "need" to be forgiven, but rather a desire to be viewed as sorry for one's misdeeds.

I guess that at the crux of your question I don't see a tremendous difference between absolution and trying to do better. They amount to the same thing even if the words used and the actions taken are different.

Answer 2

Are you more interested in making an argument than getting an answer? How do you know what Atheists think? You might have an Atheist confused with an Agnostic. And I think anyone can receive absolution if they so choose. Remember, absolution is not received from God, but from a priest representing God - sort of a middleman.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter to me. And yes, there IS such thing as an atheist. It's a person who spends their time trying to prove that god doesn't exist. I, on the other hand, don't even waste my time on that. I don't care whether god exists. I don't know if there is a word for that.

Answer 4

I am against absolution. It shouldn't matter for an atheist at all especially when you don't believe in God.

Answer 5

there are really no such things as atheist. i beg of u.

Answer 6

It doesn't. I don't have to please anyone but myself.