Do you think there's any value in self-denial, ie the concept of surrending your own will or concerns to something else, or do you think that's more one of those Christian ideas that doesn't work?
2006-07-03 08:42:41 · 16 answers · asked by electroberry1 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If by this you mean the idea that one will make sacrifices for others or for causes then be assured skeptics certainly do value it. Self-denial is hardly the invention of a Johnny-come-lately philosophy like Christianity.
However, the skeptic is not motivated by promises of paradise, virgins, or other heavenly rewards - or fear of hellish punishments for that matter. It is for the sake of our humanity.
2006-07-03 08:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by JAT 6 · 19⤊ 2⤋
As an atheist, I have never had to surrender my will to anything or anyone. I know what I believe and I don't care what anyone think about me or my beliefs. There is absolutely no value in self denial. I can't speak for the Christians out there but I wouldn't think they put much stock into it either.
2006-07-03 08:46:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since a higher power doesn't exist, there is nothing to surrender to -which leaves your question as you intended it: unanswerable by an atheist based strictly on the terms and definitions by which the question was asked. Therefore, there is no need for an atheist to deny themselves anything, really.
The principle you were speaking of is a tool used by organized religion to gain the trust of it's victims/followers, to assure them that their faith will be rewarded by giving up whatever they can. Cults, especially "doomsday" cults use this same tactic.
A verse from one of my favorite songs best describes this notion that you are exploring:
"These amenities are nice, but there is need for sacrifice. You must lose so you may gain."
It's a classic "sacrifice-and-reward" system.
2006-07-03 09:14:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation. Do I defer to things my wife wants instead of doing things I want to do? You bet. The same goes with other members of my family. They often do the same thing for me, so it works out well.
Do I deny myself things I want? Sometimes, for at least a couple of reasons. One, although I may have the money to buy that new bike, radio, car, whatever, I know that I don't really need it, and that I can put the money away for later. The other reason is that I've noticed that people that show no self-restraint at all generally come across as selfish, self-absorbed louts, and I really don't want to be like that.
2006-07-03 08:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though I am not an atheist why would I want to surrender my will to someone or something and my concerns too. My problems are my problems. I have to learn to deal with it. I think it is one of those religious ideas (no matter which religion) that really doesn't work. You are responsible for your own actions, unless of course, you are forced to.
2006-07-03 08:48:27 · answer #5 · answered by crazyhumans2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist. It is great to deny one's self for the sake of charity. It is healthy for both parties involved. I work at a soup kitchen and aide a fellow with Muscular Dystrophy. The world can be a loving place even without some myth demanding it be so.
2006-07-03 08:47:39 · answer #6 · answered by kmm4864990 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah. Do Christians think that too?
I deny myself many of the things that I do not need. I don't wear jewelry, but last time I went to church I saw quite a few people with gold crosses around their necks and rings on their fingers. I guess not eating meat on Good Friday makes up for all that though.
2006-07-03 08:45:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-01 03:51:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it works for Christians, it's because they actually believe in the thing to which they are surrendering. So even if it works for them, it wouldn't work for an atheist.
2006-07-03 08:48:20 · answer #9 · answered by A B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does any one benefit from self denial? like if you fast for some reason, you are hurting your self, and the people trying to make a living by selling food.
2006-07-03 08:47:46 · answer #10 · answered by sweetiepie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think self-denial might build some character...and for those who believe in a higher power, it may help them a lot. it's all in what you believe. i suppose you have to be careful what you surrender your will to though.
2006-07-03 08:47:03 · answer #11 · answered by andrea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋