Do we require a belief in God to love our neighbor as ourselves?

Question

If you are an Atheist, do you love your neighbor as yourself? Why do you do this?
Is it possible that this ideology is not at all a "theology"?

Is this another point for us?

Are there any Christians today who will make one logical point for their side?

Answer 1

I love all my neighbors!
I think this is a great point and it is ours. Christians?

Answer 2

The idea of loving neighbor as self is not uniquely Christian and actually pre-dates the writing of the Bible in a range of cultures in antiquity.

Prior to the writing of the Christian scriptures, the idea can be found in the Old Testament book of Leviticus, chapter 19, verse 18.

As such, Christians do not hold a monopoly on the idea, although it is a central core of Christian theology. Thus, persons of other faith traditions --Jewish, Islam, Buddhist, etc.--as well as those who are atheists, agnostic, or whatever may indeed be living out in daily life an ethic of care for self, for others and for the world around them.

Often loving others is the result of a healthy love for one's own self -- thus love for others may spring up and flourish among any individuals and groups who reach healthy self-acceptance... so it's an ideology that crosses many lines of culture, worldviews, beliefs, etc.

Answer 3

Yes, it's possible, but it's not human nature. Making sacrifices for others does not come naturally for most people. That's one of the the reasons why religion has value in our world. Why are you so opposed to it?

Most atheists I've talked to are more concerned about enjoying life than any ideology that involves anybody else, other than "live and let live". Isn't atheism's primary ideology basically hedonism?

Answer 4

There has to be some belief in some social order of some kind...even atheists have that... otherwise mankind would never have gotten to the state of development we have today... the faith dose not have to be in The Truth... just what is percived to be the truth...That is what all man invented "religion" is all about... as long as there is a percieved benifit in something... someone is going to believe in it.

I personaly know the basis for my Faith to be The Truth.
I am of The True Christian Faith... I accept email questions concerning the basics of The Faith. All honest seekers are welcome to ask any honest question.....

Answer 5

No we do not need a belief to do that.
Salvation is not based on being a nice guy.
That's where the theology comes in.
And I am to expect no better treatment that Christ got (mocked, beaten, crucified), so fire away.

Consider what it really means:
You design a new kitchen, but you build it for your neighbor.
You get tickets to your favorite game, but you give them to your neighbor.
How many of us measure up??

Answer 6

Because in order to be respected requires that you respect others. That is really what loving your neighbor as yourself is about.

Answer 7

I'm an atheist and I recognize that all mankind is my neighbor, because all of us together form the greater whole of humanity. To offer service to one is to offer service to all, for the greater good.

I don't need a deity to tell me that that is the essence of morality.

Answer 8

I chose my belief because it tells me not to be contentious,
(arguing about who is right and wrong), but to find things we
can AGREE on. And not to waste peoples time with foolish questions.

Answer 9

although you don't believe in God and he exist that's why you still love and care for yourself and others that is like I don't believe that vegetables are good for me but regardless it gives me strength whether I want to believe it or not

Answer 10

My husband would kill me if I loved the neighbor.