Charitable organisation mandatory or voluntary, offering of peace, prayer, institutionalised 'blesssing', Muslim handshake, are forms of goodwill I see in the religious community.
What about the atheists? How do they compare?
2006-11-12 20:52:07 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
BTW I'm an atheist. I'm not saying one group is right or wrong, or thats not my point, I'm just asking an anthropological question.
2006-11-12 21:34:18 · update #1
Actually, Richard Dawkins touches on this in his book 'The God Delusion'. Surveys and tests have been carried out to compare altruistic behaviour between believers and atheists (To investigate the Theist notion that you can not have a moral code without religion) The results show not much difference - atheists came out slightly ahead.
After all, most religions, when you go back to source, do not encourage universal altruism. 'Love your neighbour' originally meant 'Love your Jewish neighbour' (And ethnically cleanse all the others!)
2006-11-12 21:13:30 · answer #1 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My uncle was very high up in The Church of Scotland...I have never met such a tight, mean and selfish person...I think his public persona was totally different. Saying that I think the Church is a great charitable platform as an organisation...regardless of your denomination or religion. I have met a few people who call themselves Atheists...they just choose not to believe...this doesn't mean they are not charitable and generous to others. In fact perhaps without the front of the church the feeling is a more genuine one?
2006-11-12 20:57:41 · answer #2 · answered by minitheminx65 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I will get lots of thumbs down for this but no!!! Honestly.
Now obviously, there are people who'se faith is expressed in giving their lives to help others and most religions do expect people to actually care. Christianity is pretty damning on people who don't care about other people but well.
However, when I did go to church I met plenty of Christians with stone hearts and plenty of giving atheists.
Christians may deny it till the cows come home but its true.
2006-11-12 21:13:44 · answer #3 · answered by rostov 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a religion, but that doesn't mean I don't try to be a good person. I give to charity, I help old ladies across the road, I'm kind to animals and children. Why does having a religion make you a better person than me?
2006-11-12 21:01:33 · answer #4 · answered by Roxy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is good and bad in everybody, whether we choose to show it is our choice, but having a religion i think helps us to be more humble and thoughtful towards others less fortunate.
2006-11-12 20:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by DJ R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is irreligious? is there such a thing??
2006-11-12 21:01:48 · answer #6 · answered by carol g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋