could you explain to me why people say i have no morals because i am an athiest?

Question

I am being absolutely serious.
I do have morals, my biggest are:
Respect others beliefs even if you believe the opposite
People only live once and then die (in my belief) so cause them no pain while they are here or you are only being a big jerk

Why do people think that because I don’t believe in a higher power I can’t have morals, I have never figured that out?

****If anyone insults anyone else’s beliefs in their answer they will be reported*****

Answer 1

Because people mistakenly believe that morales can only come from religion. They erronously state that the bible was the basis for Western morales, and that all morale stem from this.

This ignores the fact that Western morales actually came from Homeric schools of thought before the christian cult came into prominance. But rather then look into the historical facts of the matter, they'd cling to their shadows and echos and state their false beliefs.

Some other falsely assumed beliefs is that Athesits cannoy have absolute morales, which is utter rot. Athethists can easily have an aboslute sense of right and wrong, just as any theist can. The difference is that the Athesitic sense comes from a sense of personal belief/education, while the Thesitic sense must come from some god-like being, and is in fact a LESSER belief then those of an Atheist, being formed due to obedience rather then enlightened interest.

Answer 2

I have to agree with RandyGE. From where do your morals originate, or on what do you base your beliefs/morals? I mean, an athiest can go either way, right? They can be good or bad, depending on how they treat people and operate in their lives-They just deny that there are good or evil forces in the world, or a god or creator that has given us any guide to live by, so you make up your own? Or just make it up as you go along? Do you feel connected in some way with other people at all, do you feel love, or is that just a made up emotion created by man to control people, like athiests have said religion does? I'm just asking, because I guess I don't get it. It seems rather odd that here is a world full of people who can do wonderful things if they want to, and we're all here because of some big fart of the universe that you can't explain? Every one is born with those burning questions who am I and where did I come from, and the best thing you can come up with is there is no one who created you so you could think for yourself and make choices but you're a pretty nice guy?

Answer 3

The fact that these people are stuck with an extremely narrow vision which they are unable to even inspect, never mind overcome, should tell you that they aren't anybody whose statements should affect you.
Does it bother you when dog barks at you?
I only make sure it can't bite me, other than than it means nothing to me. I understand that they can't help what they are and just try to accept that.
You, having morals not based on the fear of a hell, but because you find it to be the right thing is a much more honorable position, than I see projected by most religious people.
The last sentence in your question how ever was so childish, I almost by passed your question. You will NOT change human nature, and speech in this country is still free, even though you may not agree with it, and though it may be generally objectionable.
Incidentally, I have found some of the most immoral people I have met in life, to be deeply religious (or at least act and talk that way!). Go figure!

Answer 4

Christians often are taught that athiests have no logical basis for having morals. If we are simply evolved from probiotic sludge, then who is to say what is right and wrong? There is no utter "right" and "wrong"! You may have your own personal morals, but in that case, nothing is "right" or "wrong," it is just what you think. You think it is right, you think it is wrong, but don't tell me what to believe.

For example: you say "respect other's beliefs." This is fine for you. But who are you to tell anyone else that they ought to respect other's beliefs? I choose to make fun of other's beliefs. What is so wrong with that? Can't I make fun of them if I want? Upon what basis can you decide (if you have decided this) that ALL PEOPLE should respect the opinions of others?

I agree with the above. As an athiest you have no basis for creating a universally imposed system of morality, even if it's simply "don't kill other people." If we are simply animals, why can't we kill one another?

However, that doens't mean that you don't have morals. In fact, I am sure that there are many atheists who are fine moral people, the types that I would allow to babysit my kids.

Christians get confused and say that you have no morals, but they should say that you have no logical basis for a universal moral system. In fact, you are created by God, and your desire for some kind of basic moral system, which you hold to despite the illogic, is a reflection of that facet of your creation.

I believe that your humanity, being created in the image of God, outweighs your logic. If you were truly consistent, you would be a nihilist.

But I'm glad you're not. Your humanity is stronger than your mind, and that's a good thing.

Cheers.

Answer 5

It is a mistake to say that an athiest doesn't have morals. Many athiests have very high morals, good character, and are very diciplined people. What they don't have is hope. There is no spiritual joy and an overiding feeling of doom in the idea of death. There is no peace and a general lack of the feeling of accountability. Somewhere inside...all people have a general feeling of what is right or wrong. Where did that come from? Are you sure that you don't believe or have you never taken the time to examine it? It would be wise to and be sure you are right that God doesn't exist. If He does...you are making a irreversible mistake when death does come.
Open your mind and maybe even your heart. You might be surprised and relieved.

Answer 6

Morals for me is your own obligation to do what is right for your self, family, community and to the whole society. It has nothing to do with your beliefs. You may have doubts on believing that there is a supreme being governing your life but for sure you have a responsibility to be productive and not a liability in this world. As long as you're on the right track then being an atheist is better than a religious person who screws around with another person's spouse or who steals, kills or lies for personal gratification. By the way, atheist is spelled this way.

Answer 7

Christians ignore causality as an objective basis for morality... in fact, it is the closest thing to an objective basis. Actions have reactions, and consequences. These consequences are almost universally constant, this is what shapes the morality of everyone.

However Christians believe that god sets the law, therefore the only way to be moral is to follow what he says, no matter how wrong it is.

Answer 8

I don't think that you are amoral for being an athiest. I don't see the correlation myself but yeah, no doubt in my mind, you have encounted people that would think that way.

Sad, isn't it? But, society has always passed judgement on those who don't believe the way they do...against the whole "Judge not lest ye be judged" no less.

Personally, I think if you find comfort and peace within you can believe in worshipping pink polkadotted bunnies from Mars or your moo cow slippers or nothing at all...whatever works for ya. It shouldn't be about believing in a higher power or not, it should be about believing in self.

If you are happy with yourself then blow big fat raspberries at those who judge you and move on. Why give em the fight they so badly want, that's my motto! I smile pretty, say have a nice day and just walk away. Irritates the heck out of em!

Answer 9

Hi, long time listener, first time caller. Im an atheist as well and truly believe that we live for ourselves, and no one else. I have been told by religious types of all faiths, that i need to accept jesus, or i am a sinner and will go to hell, and im sure you know the rest. I simply ask them, why do you say this if religion teaches you to love others? Does that not go against the basic foundations of your religion? And i have found most of the time, that most people will eventually accept your reasonings, but there are always die hards out there who will find the need to save you, or show you the way. Simply smile at them, and beat them to the punch and say jesus loves you. Don't let others tell you who you are. You know who you are and only answer to yourself.

Answer 10

People equate religion with morals-again an old tradition of uneducated man, well trying to learn but didn't have the answer quited yet. Your heart is in the right place, in fact that is exactly where God wants all of us to be but some don't get it or don't wana change. I respect you because of your civil adult approach, it doesn't bother me that you don't believe because I can rest in where I stand. Again some religious people like to be in their box, being told what to do because they are afraid of being an adult and make decisions that are of course according to the royal command "Love God, love others as your would yourself" if you love you wouldn't do anything to hurt others. I know that there are the mild extreme and the extremists that according to their personality both you and I are gona run into those kinds of people. Its too bad cuz they are missing out on the whole point of God and His intention.