Are they more or less moral than religious folks? Are they leading sad lives? Would you marry one? etc.
2006-10-31 12:19:08 · 14 answers · asked by flignar 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
my opinion......you can believe in what you want and still be a good person, everybody doesn't have to like the same things, religion included, it doesn't make you "sad" because that's what they believe is right, just like everyone else
2006-10-31 12:25:11 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ Brat ♥ 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Atheists dont practice Religion they say, however the definition of religious is a constant practice, or consistancy. Curious isnt it that they deny the practice of non-belief in a God, and practice religiously a scientific belief. hmmm? Well that is confusing to me. I have met many that are neither sad or happy just average folks that lead average lives, but highly argumentative on the subject of religion or politics, just like anyone else, like a Catholic and a Protestant. I dont think my love for someone would be based on their religion but I would think strongly about their beliefs and if children were planned that might be the thing that breaks the tie. However love is forever so maybe just be a friend.
2006-10-31 20:38:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A person's spiritual beliefs are often passed down from one generation to another. Some believe they are enlightened and choose another religious doctrine to follow, some lose their beliefs altogether. What makes a person moral or not, is not their religious convictions, as we see here in America where those who believe in forgiveness and fairness use every contrivance (some not as ingenious as others since they simply choose to ridicule, heckle and silence anyone opposing them) to over-ride their supposed religious background... for example, Christians that encourage and promote Capital Punishment, or unfair treatment of others, or agree with torturing those accused of being enemies, or not giving those accused of crimes a fair change to prove their innocence or condemning people for their ethnic or racial background... contrary to Christian religious doctrine... or they "overlook" a political leader's non-Christian behavior when it suits their personal agenda, contrary to established laws or practices... or imposing their views on others which they would object to if the others were trying to impose THEIR religious views on them!
whether a person has religious views or not is a personal matter that need not be debated; it is a personal matter that should remain PERSONAL and not impose on those around us.
Atheists are people, just like those who believe in supernatural or religious phenomena, etc. They simply wish not to have religious (some call it "superstitious") beliefs on them or their relatives and/or family. They are lawyers, doctors, teachers, scientists, politicians... and ordinary people with varying views, just like those who believe in a supreme being/beings.
Theists do not hold the cornerstone to morality, as can be seen by the actions of some hate groups that claim to be Christians.
My opinion of an atheist? I AM an atheist, but I will respect the right of others to believe or not believe in whatever suits their conscience and makes them feel better; too bad this same attitude is not reciprocated by those whose rights to believe I defend.
I have no fear of any atheist; I do, however, fear those fanatics that kill and destroy and bring harm to others that do not share their beliefs, and the cultists that spring up all over the world and work in counter-productive means to society's norms while distorting established dogmas and beliefs... usually to benefit someone or some group at the expense of all others.
You can rest assured of one thing: I do what are considered good deeds and have never accepted or expected payment for such; I have kept quiet and made sure never to embarrass the recipient of my deeds, and never to take credit for what I've done.
2006-10-31 20:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheists are people like any other people. Some are very moral, some are not. Some are happy, others are not.
I am an atheist, as is my spouse. I have a number of atheist friends, as well as friends of different religious persuasions. I live my life somewhat by Buddhist principles, which in their pure form are atheistic. I dont live my life in fear of hell or punishment. I am a good person because it is the best way to live. It brings happiness to myself and others.
2006-10-31 20:36:34 · answer #4 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Atheists are people. They have a right to their own beliefs. They are no better or worse than religious people. I wouldn't marry anyone, but if I were in the marrying mood, religious belief would not come into it, so long as he was as tolerant towards my beliefs as I would be towards his.
You cannot control people's minds.
Hey, Calico, we're answering the same question! How about that!
2006-10-31 21:38:54 · answer #5 · answered by The Gadfly 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Athesits are people that think there are no consequences in whatever wrong doing, what is considered wrong anyway, if there is no God, than the concept of what is wrong is merely "subjective" isn't it? They are leading a life of self deception, thats for sure, but the truth will unfold sooner or later, coz when the Grim Reaper comes for them,...it will be too late for regrets. With God, anything is possible, by yourself, your ego will be your limit. To marry an athsit?, HA! NO WAY!
2006-10-31 22:40:08 · answer #6 · answered by Sen L 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have many friends who consider themselves atheists--they are biology and physical science teachers, give to the community in other ways besides teaching, all but one are married and and all are upstanding citizens.
Many atheists are good people: trying to make the best life they can without being motivated by the threat of hell or the reward of heaven (they consider those ideas to be good stories to tell children in order to keep them in line, but sorely inadequate for thinking adults).
I hope you learn about this fascinating group of people and do not do what so many others have done on this site: simply seek to confirm what you already believe by looking for evidence that supports and by refuting evidence that weakens your beliefs.
All the best to you.
2006-10-31 20:27:34 · answer #7 · answered by j14456um 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I don't think their lives are any sadder. I meet plenty of miserable religious people, people who are living tiny little lives now waiting for the afterlife. Won't they be in for a shock if all they are is worm food.
2006-10-31 20:41:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They were freethinkers, without the blinder of religion to hold them back. The do good deed for their own sake, not because of a bribe of heaven or threat of hell. They do not hold to a distorted worldview.
2006-11-01 23:54:24 · answer #9 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are certainly entitled to their opinion. I think at times believing that there is no force greater than ourselves must be depressing. It would also be frightening to think that we are all alone.
I am not personally sure just what I do believe but I certainly hope there is something greater than man.
2006-10-31 20:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by MUD 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋