(Other than bashing people who do have a religion!)
2006-07-17 08:23:36 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Whoa! I put in a serious question about a possible attack on Hoover Dam, and I get 1 answer! I put in a not-so-serious question about atheists and their purpose in life – expecting as many answers as a question on erucic acid – and promptly forgot about it. Two days later, I am run over! Surprise! Surprise! a ton of replies! I'm flabbergasted. My question had originally been intended as a counter-question/reply to a atheist who had put up another question intended on bashing the religious. (Hence, the offensive secondary statement!) I decided to turn it into a real question because I was actually curious as to what drives the godless in their day to day lives!
2006-07-19 05:08:02 · update #1
I've never had so many replies to a question of mine. And from so many intelligent people! It seems though that I struck a chord here. There are many defensive replies, some downright vehement (To tell you the truth, these replies actually put a smile on my face!) I'm tempted to put up a question as to whether atheists can be religious fanatics, but I don't need to – I already know the answer!
Seriously, If I hurt anyone's feelings, I did not mean to. But since the cat is out of the bag, I guess I'm glad I did -- atheists need a good bit of constructive criticism as well as anyone. I do not hate atheists nor do I brand them as evil – my own brother is an atheist. Religious people just tend to try to nudge people in the right direction (if you can call it that). From our point of view, victory for the forces of good seems such a hollow thing if the majority of the people you love are burning on the other side!
2006-07-19 05:47:39 · update #2
Actually I'm an atheist. I'm also a medical doctor. I don't help people to please God or get into heaven, I just don't like to see other people suffer. I like the people around me to be happy because it makes me happy. I have to make things here on earth better because I don't believe in heaven. I have to take care of my fellow man because I don't believe in gods that will take care of them later without my involvement.
2006-07-17 08:30:48 · answer #1 · answered by G-man 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"An Atheist loves himself and his fellow man instead of a god. An Atheist knows that heaven is something for which we should work now - here on earth - for all men together to enjoy. An Atheist thinks that he can get no help through prayer but that he must find in himself the inner conviction and strength to meet life, to grapple with it, to subdue, and enjoy it. An Atheist thinks that only in a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his fellow man can he find the understanding that will help to a life of fulfillment. Therefore, he seeks to know himself and his fellow man rather than to know a god. An Atheist knows that a hospital should be built instead of a church. An Atheist knows that a deed must be done instead of a prayer said. An Atheist strives for involvement in life and not escape into death. He wants disease conquered, poverty vanquished, war eliminated. He wants man to understand and love man. He wants an ethical way of life. He knows that we cannot rely on a god nor channel action into prayer nor hope for an end to troubles in the hereafter. He knows that we are our brother's keeper and keepers of our lives; that we are responsible persons, that the job is here and the time is now." ~ Madalyn Murray (later O'Hair), preamble to Murray v. Curlett, 27 April 1961
2006-07-17 08:44:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plenty of non-religious people have been noted for their contributions to society. Many of the U.S. Founding Fathers were non-theists or at least non-religious that subscribed to no religion. Many others have been major philanthropists.
Likewise, many very religious people have also commited great evil in the name of their religion. Other religious people may be listless and make little or no real contribution to the greater good in spite of their religion.
My experience is that the drive to create, contribute and uplift is separate from religion, though for some people religion does provide additional motivation.
2006-07-17 08:35:45 · answer #3 · answered by kevinngunn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do so many people think religion is the only way to have a fulfilling life? I am a Christian, but I know many atheists who are really good people. They have goals and aspirations, they have families, they are generous and kind, they just don't believe in God. Why does that make them evil, soulless, heathens to you?? They're people, just like you. Get over yourself. Just because you're a Christian you get a free pass to bash atheists? I don't think so.
2006-07-17 08:51:08 · answer #4 · answered by browneyedgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes: ...those who don't have a religion may well be the most favourite people of God (if this makes sense), because they are honest, hardworking people who have many ambitions and purposes to live life; such as a family, friends etc
I am a hindu myself, but i also believe that it is not neccesary to have a religion to carry out the most important purpose of life : to love (cheesy but true!)
2006-07-17 08:28:48 · answer #5 · answered by Angel_like 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because we have the ability to give our lives purpose other than serving a God does not mean we are purposeless or hollow individuals, or consumed by Satan's lies. Those of us who have not chosen to follow a God still bind ourselves by morals and maintain good and productive lives, and still believe in charity and the like. Difference is our God didn't have to tell us to feel that way. And by the way, my choice to distance myself from religion came from a deep study of religion be it christian, muslim, judaeism, pagan, budhhism, etc. So perhaps it was not satan that fooled me but a clever author that fooled you.
2006-07-17 08:33:05 · answer #6 · answered by veritas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, my goal is to carry on a righteous life, and love my family and friends as much as I possibly can. This idea that only religious people can have decent values is asinine, and only goes to show your complete lack of understanding anything outside of your little world. Now stop this little pity party, and evolve...emotionally and spiritually.
2006-07-17 08:34:36 · answer #7 · answered by bc_munkee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I know atheist that go out everyday to have fun with their friends, and I'm Christain but I stay at home and do this. I believe we all have a purpose in life, if they believe it or not.
2006-07-17 08:29:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. How stupid are you? Everyone has a purpose, even if that purpose is self-fulfilling.
Or did you perhaps mean a purpose sanctioned by you? Are you questioning their presence on earth? Their very life?
How blasphemous of you! Doesn't this question break a commandment?
2006-07-17 08:27:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody has a purpose in life. Like it or not. Truth is what makes the difference, whether you're 'religious' or not.
2006-07-17 08:26:41 · answer #10 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋