A simple yes or no backed up with a reason will suffice.
2006-07-07 05:43:19 · 9 answers · asked by Cindy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a christian and yes I do believe that you are capable of good moral and ethical judgement because neither of those things have to do with your faith or lack thereof. Morals and ethics have to do with your beliefs and how you were raised which are totally separate issues.
2006-07-07 05:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by Nanny's mommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to be one of the few people who hold Christian beliefs that is going to say that you are perfectly capable of possessing such judgement.
Chrisianity teaches morality and ethics along with requiring belief in God and acceptance of Jesus as your savior.
This in no way indicates that someone who doesn't hold belief in Jesus or even someone who holds no belief in God cannot or will not be able to possess simmilar or even identical morals or ethics.
Also one must look at the number of hypocrites that claim to be Christians. I have been around a lot of people who are "saved" who lack anything resembling moral fiber. (and yes, there are times that almost everyone of faith - myself included - fits into this category but some are defined by it. It seems that they think showing up at church on Sunday and repenting for what they've done in the past week makes it ok to go out and do the same things the following week - like God is only present in the church, not in other aspects of their lives.)
Morality and Ethics is knowing what's right and wrong. You don't have to have a faith define that for you.
2006-07-07 12:55:55 · answer #2 · answered by nobodysangel_nobodysfool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can and more than likely, you are a nicer and truer person than the majority of Christians. However, it may be of interest to you that the basis of our moral and legal code and indeed where we get our ethics, is via the Old Testament. Are you sure you are an atheist and not an agnostic, as someone with sound moral and ethical judgment would surely agree that if you met someone who convinced you beyond all doubt that He was God Almighty, you would accept Him. I am not trying to convert you to anything, I merely pose the question. Take care, an interesting question.................
2006-07-07 12:53:19 · answer #3 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I believe that you, as an atheist, are capable of possessing sound moral and ethical judgement.
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).
"Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them" (Romans 2:14).
Peace.
Hesed
2006-07-07 12:54:27 · answer #4 · answered by Hesed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can. Truth is truth. Good is good. But all truth is from God, and He is not always recognized as his being the source.
There is lots of truth, good morals, etc. in our society. Movies or a book may convey good morals, good living, etc. which is good but a little truth mixed with harmful things ( the man in a movie, or in life, that treats his co-workers kindly but cheats on his wife ) is dangerous, and what our culture has grabbed on to.
As an atheist, how can you discern sound moral decisions in all circumstances when you alone are the judge of them?
There is greater truth and therefore ethics only in God.
2006-07-07 12:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have morality and you may be ethical, but the source is different (your feelings versus God's laws). As a result, if your feelings change, so do your judgments.
On the other hand, God never changes so neither does our morality.
2006-07-07 12:51:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you aren't incapable of that. Even though you deny God, you stll have an inborn conscience that tells you what right and wrong is, and you can obey it.
2006-07-07 12:51:01 · answer #7 · answered by C_Bass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the faculty of 'consience' God gave you,
you comprehend & appreciate right from wrong, so,
you're NOT incapable ... just accountable
2006-07-07 13:04:57 · answer #8 · answered by Merry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not Christian,
But yes, anyone can
2006-07-07 12:46:44 · answer #9 · answered by Branwen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋