Are believers more or less likely to reflect on a wrong they've done than a non-believer?

Question

Some people think that just because a believer repents, that it sort of encourages poor behavior because it's an easy "I'm sorry, okay, all better!" and that they don't have to reflect on how to not repeat the problem.

These same people believe non-believers are more likely to reflect on the problem because they have no quick apology to make and repentance offered.

My initial thoughts are that the believer would be more likely to examine what they have done because if they are repenting they are more than likely recognizing they did something wrong in the first place. There is no guarantee that the non-believer even recognizes the wrong.

Now, most of you know I am an atheist by belief, but psychologically, this line of thinking makes sense to me I think.

Answer 1

I think they might reflect relatively equally but the believers would punish themselves more due to the fact they have that whole sin thing to deal with

Answer 2

Generally atheists are more likely to admit having been wrong, and having committed wrong. Believers are more likely to use their reflection to convince themselves that their behavior is justified (just look at all the childish behaviors from believers here on Yahoo! Answers, all supposedly justified by their gods).

You wrote "there is no guarantee that the non-believer even recognizes the wrong", but surely you can't miss the fact that in the real world, believers - particularly the religious right - are the ones most ignorant of their own wrongdoing.

I think you have an interesting idea, but you didn't really check up on how it corresponds with reality. And of course one only becomes a nonbeliever in the first place by being particularly reflective, instead of simply accepting the religious beliefs we're expected to accept.

Answer 3

Ok it makes sense.
A believer has something that they are looking forward to. Let's call it a reward.
An atheist does not believe in that reward.
So saying that a non-believer can make up their own code of conduct such as "I will do no intentional harm".Well that's ok for themselves but can they follow through themselves?
Believers at least should and I hope most answer to the highest power.
The reward for the believer is there, so why not work towards it?
Being repentant is a learning curve. Always. Also you should learn from other people's mistakes, which are in the Bible, because you cannot live long enough to do them all yourself.
So that said, a non-believer can or should realize the wrong but they also have to correct it within themselves. That may or may not be done depending on their conscious.
This leaves it up to the non-believer to show others he has seen the wrong but can they prove it?

Answer 4

I think there will be a lot in individual variation within both believers and nonbelievers that will be related to who that person is regardless of faith or nonfaith. I am not religious but I am very reflective and it is important to me to live in a way that cause the least harm and pain to others because that is how I wish others to treat me. I do follow a sort of Buddhist life philosophy in a nonreligious way but I wouldn't consider myself Buddhist. I think I was drawn to philosophy which is a method of finding morality and an ethical system based on reason rather than divine ordinance. Whether someone is reflective and compassion I think may be more related to genes and upbringing than religious affilation since I've known religious people who were both very reflective about their behaviors and those that were very cavalier and the same for nonbelievers.

Answer 5

As a believer, I do reflect on things I've repented for, because if I don't continue to pray and remind myself of the things I've done wrong when I feel like I'm getting into the same situation that made me do them in the first place, I will end up doing them again. Very nice question :)

Answer 6

I think a nonbeliever (whatever that is....I guess, anyone whose beliefs are different)can be a moral person without believing and will certainly examine things he's done if he is wrong or has done something he's ashamed of. I don't think being a nonbeliever means that one isn't capable of doing the right thing just as a believer might.

Answer 7

I am not a Christian and I can assure you there have been times in my I couldn't sleep because of some stunt I have pulled.
My personal morals and ethics force me to reflect on my negative behaviors and improve them.

Blessings )O(

Answer 8

To rationalize is to tell "rational lies":

"Oh, I just pray to god and I'm forgiven. If you atheists do the same, you're not forgiven. You're immoral and you're going to hell!"

Just look at that clown Hornbuckle in the US. He's a fundy preacher, and he was just convicted of three counts of rape. Even after his conviction, he still tried to say the women caused it, and that "I'm a christian, and I obeyed god's word, so I shouldn't go to prison." He violated bail FOUR TIMES before he was convicted, that's what he thought of the law.

Atheists don't have a "god" to cop out with and make excuses. We have to - and do - take responsibility for our actions.

Answer 9

a believer would have more reason to rationalize his actions. I did it for the greater good etc. while a non-beleiver could be more objective maybe. just because you aren't religious doesn't mean that you don't adhere to a personal code of morals and ethics

Answer 10

I always know when I do bad because my conscience won't let me forget about it. I always feel horrible afterwards until I correct it. My own internal form of karma.

Mark B is an ignorant SOB.

See now I feel bad for saying that.