are incapable of living a moral, just life, and basically being good citizens ?
2006-10-12 12:56:11 · 17 answers · asked by harold p 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
some good answers, I like Ash and Anyone. No judgement just acceptance of others.
oh WDJD -- I don't want to be rude, but please don't pray on my behalf, there must be more important matters that need tended to. appreciate it. thanks
2006-10-12 15:10:26 · update #1
I think some do and some don't, depends on the person. I am an Atheist and I consider myself to be a decent person, I feel that a lot of things are wrong morally just like Christians do. Just because I don't believe in a god doesn't mean I don't think lying, cheating, killing etc.. isn't wrong and Just because we don't believe there will be some higher power to answer to or to punish us doesn't mean we say the hail with being a good person or doing good things for others. Its all in living a life you can feel proud of as in doing all you can while you are here because when its over its over.
2006-10-12 13:07:47 · answer #1 · answered by Ash 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People that don't believe in God can live moral lives but i wonder how and where your moral values came from if you don't believe in god. and if that's the case why do you believe that your morals are right and how do you know for sure what having good morals is and what being a good citizen is because the world has formed its morality and a lot of the laws based on bible/Gods principles and beliefs. so if you follow your morals/values based on what the rest of the world percieve as being right then what you are really saying is that in some ways "you do " believe in god because if you didn't why would things like killing, stealing, and lying be wrong to you.
2006-10-12 13:20:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Okay, do believers believe that non-believers are INcapable of being good, right?
Not all believers believe the same. Some do some don't.
I, for instance, do and I don't.
I think people could find it helpful to believe in God as long as they can keep religion from making them crazy, but I don't think that belief or disbelief is a factor in how good a citizen someone is. Whether a person believes in other people is the key factor in that equation.
2006-10-12 13:12:29 · answer #3 · answered by anyone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, but I do think you're missing the point. I think that most people who believe in God (I assume you're speaking primarily about Christians here) believe that in order to be acceptable by their God, that you must have faith in Christ. Living a moral life is a side effect, not the motivation. So living a moral life to these people is only half of the equation.
2006-10-12 13:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by Lord_Tyveris 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That was wordy! WOW. I think the answer to that is definitely not. I think everybody with morals can live a good life and be good citizens. Who cares WHAT you believe in and what you DON'T believe in. As long as you live life justly and lovingly that's all that matters.
2006-10-12 13:00:44 · answer #5 · answered by Snuz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we believe people are capable of various moral actions
the thing is, we can't expect moral actions to reconcile someone to God who has inherited the sin disease and has sinned.
what evidences that we have sinned?
well. let's measure ourselves by God's standard.
Have we ever told a lie? What does that make us? Human? Exactly but if I lied, you would call me a liar.
Have we ever stolen anything even of miniscule value? Taking anything that doesn't belong to you is considered stealing. A pen? A snack? etc. If so, we call someone who does such things "a thief."
Have we ever used God's name as a cussword? That's called blasphemy. It's a serious offense to God when we do this.
Have we ever looked at another person with lust? Either gender. Jesus said that if you look at another person with lust, you have committed adultery with them in your heart.
When we stand before God and have done these things, we will be guilty before God. Just think, that's only 4 of the 10 commandments.
Yes everyone sins. What does God expect from us?
Well. We are to be perfect in every thought, word, and deed.
That can't be done can it?
And so, there is only one way for us.
Jesus came to pay our fine.
He is the only venue to be reconciled to God.
2006-10-12 13:11:08 · answer #6 · answered by DexterLoxley 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can't speak for everyone, but I believe anyone can be a good citizen, moral person, and live a just life regardless their belief (or disbelief) in god(s).
2006-10-12 13:08:40 · answer #7 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually harold, I belive than no man or woman, athiest or Christan is capable of living good enough. I especially dont belive that we could ever be good enough to get into heaven. let me explain by asking you a few questions. First of all, do you consider yourself to be a good person? here are a few questions to see if we match up to Gods standards......
Have you ever lied? even white lies? this is a violation of the ninth commandment, and the BIble states, "all liars will have there part in the lake of fire.
Have you ever stolen something? The BIble says the value is irrelevant. if you have done this the BIble says God sees that as theivery. and no theif will enherit the kingdom of God
Have you ever used Gods name in vain? The BIble calls this blasphemy, and states that God will not hold him or her guiltess that uses his name in vain.
have you ever hated someone? the BIbe says this is murder of the heart.
Heres a question for you, BY Gods standard of goodness would you be innocent or guilty on judgement day? the BIble says you would be guity, the Bible says God will see you as a lying thief and an adulturer at heart, and he even Judges the thought life. The BIble says you and I are guilty and the penalty for our sin is death and hell. But there is good news. God sent his only son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for your sins. you broke the Law, but God loved you so much that he stepped in a took every bit of punishment you deserve. and Harold, if you will repent ( apaoligize and forsake your sin) and put your full faith and trust to save you, God will forgive you and grant you the gift of eternal life. God will cleanse your heart and your conscience and you will desire to serve him because of the great love he has shown by dying for us. My prayer harold, is that before youlay your head down tonight you will think seriously about these things, because there is nothing more important than your eternal salvation.
God Bless
WDJD
2006-10-12 13:11:32 · answer #8 · answered by WDJD 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no i do not believe that people who do not believe in God are incapable of living morally(absolute morality, not morality that is changing through out cultures and society ), though i believe morality is something God gives us all (though it can be, and in many cases is, tainted by sin in both believers in God and in nonbelievers) as well as our sense of justice, and the desire to be good citizens...
2006-10-12 13:09:17 · answer #9 · answered by zionikministries 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some do.
Ofcourse belief in god has never correlated with being moral either, so theists have no ground to stand on when they claim god and morality are exclusive.
2006-10-12 12:59:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋