Atheists do good for good's sake. Theists do it because they're worried about divine retribution. Which do you think is more moral?
2006-12-04 12:42:16 · 17 answers · asked by STFU Dude 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ken: I think neither are "do gooders" ! Doing "good" for good's sake translates into mere, self-righteousness and doing "good" for fear of Devine retribution is plainly, manipulation through fear [fear mongering] . People are not good nor do they do "good". Take a couple of 2 year olds and give both of them only, 1 toy between them - you have human nature at its best [worst]. The only reason, people are not killing each other off is because they have their basic needs attended to. When things get scarce, people's true colours begin to show. History is full of examples of people on their "best" behaviour ! I'm one of those "theists" you referred to above and I don't do "good" because I worry about Devine retribution, believe me. I'm human like anyone else alive is and have my sins too. Great question - anyways !!!
2006-12-04 12:57:17 · answer #1 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Humanist, and I agree that doing something in order to gain divine favor or avoiding some action out of fear of divine retribution is less admirable than doing it or not doing it out of respect for one's neighbors or to improve society--but that's not to say that there's nothing in it for the latter person. I'm not convinced that anyone truly does good purely "for good's sake." There is always a reason, a need fulfilled. Some would call such a motivation selfish or self-serving, but I think that's unfair. Still, I also think no one does anything without gaining, at the very least, self-satisfaction.
2006-12-04 12:52:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more moral to do good for good's sake...however, you are mistaken in saying that theists do it out of fear of divine retribution. The theist does it out of love for God and man...the atheist does it just to look good and groom their own ego.
2006-12-04 12:46:08 · answer #3 · answered by Krys Tamar 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi Kenny
Maybe you need to be put up to date on Christian doctrine.
Christians believe they are already safe. They ahve been accepted by God in His beloved Son. They are totally free from the fear of divine retribution.
Having been reconciled with God, they now have the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace ... which produces a morality that does good for good's sake.
So, your argument is.....?
2006-12-04 12:55:57 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I'm not an atheist, but I believe one should only do good for good's sake. If you love everyone and treat everyone without judgement you cannot help but do good. If you are a theist just because you are scared to go to hell, then you were never really good.
2006-12-04 12:46:26 · answer #5 · answered by Ajak 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Is it more moral... or differently moral? Many in this world believe in god, yet do good - not as a check mark on a lifetime report card, but because it needs to be done. Or because they want to do it. Or because it makes them feel good.
Analyzed deeply enough, very few things in life are done altruistically... even friendship has a selfish basis.
2006-12-04 12:48:10 · answer #6 · answered by Mikisew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually us Christians try to do good to be more like Christ.True we do screw up quite a bit.When you become a christian the threat of sin is taken care.The book listing all thing I have done,are doing,and will do has a stamp of the blood of Christ saying PAID IN FULL.An God doesn't remember it no more.
Why atheist try to be moral,you aren't going to like it why.The divine is still in them.They are creations of God.Even though they have walked away,they are still his babies.His loves never changes.
God is the extreme.He came to us in human form to pay for our sin.He did and went to hell for three days.He would rather spend three days in hell.Then eternity without you.But he isn't going to force anyone.he gave us freewill to chose,or not.
2006-12-04 13:05:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm a christian and i don't do good for fear of divine retribution. sometimes i don't do bad b/c of the repricussions, but that is good anyway b/c the bad could bring consequences here on earth anyway. the ultimate goal is to want to do good, and have it become a part of you. then it would not be either, it would be more of a second nature.
2006-12-04 12:47:15 · answer #8 · answered by Yee Haw 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is "More" moral to do good for your own sake and for no buddy and/or anything else. You do it because you feel that way, not because it is dictated to you by any other reason!
2006-12-04 12:50:02 · answer #9 · answered by Nikolas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You speak of things you no nothing about. Christians do good not out of fear, but out of love, not for their own sake or anyone elses, but for Gods sake. All goodness comes from God, they cannot be seperated from one another.
2006-12-04 12:45:07 · answer #10 · answered by malsvb6 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋