Would atheists, agnostics, christians, and other religions agree on one thing?

Question

Would they agree that why we may have different beliefs, we are still human and we must be united under this title?

That there are good things and bad things in this world, but that there is really nothing we can do about it?

That being good without expecting a reward is greater than being good while expecting one?

That it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of God or indeed, any deity or spiritual essence, and that it really doesn't matter who believes in what?

That everyone makes mistakes, and that we shouldn't be judged by them?

That there are things in this universe that will never be explained, as the cosmos has endless splendor?

That there is no reason to hate other people because they are different, and that we should all just put aside our differences and work together to form a better world?

That we should just get along and have a good time in life while it lasts?

Okay, thanks farien, you are right, I do have a typo. Sorry about that.

Deux es Machina, I agree partly in the fact that the animals should share some of the limelight (but that we can still eat them because they eat each other, anyway), but I think the human problem should be solved first. Good point, though.

NoGodsNoMasters and Dr.smelli-fungus, those are good answers, even though I disagree with them. Happy Holidays to you both, and a quote from John Locke, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it...."

Cheers!

You know, it is kind of odd that I wrote this while listening to a dark piece of music (One Winged Angel).

Oh, well.

Thanks for your support, now I must get this idea out to the greater masses somehow....

Answer 1

Now that's a code to live by. Best posting I've seen on this site. What a different world this would be if all religious dogma was replaced by acceptance of something like this. If there really was a god he'd be promoting this sort of positive clear cut approach to life instead of confusing us with hundreds of pages of erroneous and contradictory mumbo jumbo that can and is being interpreted a hundred different ways. aka the bible

Answer 2

Q1: Would Atheists, Agnostics, Christians, and other religions agree on one thing?
With all of the other problems in today's world I would hope so and would chant prayer that they find one common thing.

Q2:Would they agree that why we may have different beliefs, we are still human and we must be united under this title?
All men seek security, this alone should draw them together

Q3: That there are good things and bad things in this world, but that there is really nothing we can do about it?
We are the custodians of the earth. We have the capability to create change and cure all ills. We must first become one with the Earth and each other. It is possible but not probable as long as selfishness racism and secularism are taught.

Q4: That being good without expecting a reward is greater than being good while expecting one?
I agree and teach that ideal to my covenant.

Q5: That it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of God or indeed, any deity or spiritual essence, and that it really doesn't matter who believes in what?
I would agree to that insofar as the teachings of a Higher power goes. I believe in the faith of man and earth, those are very tangible.

Q6: That everyone makes mistakes, and that we shouldn't be judged by them?
I would agree.

Q7: That there are things in this universe that will never be explained, as the cosmos has endless splendor?
I would agree.

Q8: That there is no reason to hate other people because they are different, and that we should all just put aside our differences and work together to form a better world?
Hatred is the first true evil. Hatred is as Jealousy and is a killer of the soul.
I would agree fully.

Q9:That we should just get along and have a good time in life while it lasts?
Absolutely without rider or Sermon.

Answer 3

Yes, we are human.

Good and bad are subjective ideas. There is no entity of good and evil, nor is there a universal definition of what is bad. Orthodox Jews and Muslims think pork is bad, most of America finds bacon delicious. There is plenty we can do to convince others that our idea of good and bad is right and founded on rationality.

Yes, it is better to be good without expecting a reward. However, what is considered 'good' is not universally accepted and as such is the source of much conflict.

If it's real it must be verifiable. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, though with deities and spiritual essence there isn't even scant evidence.

Yes, everyone makes mistakes, but they must be judged by them . If you murder someone, then realize it was a mistake, you must still be judged for your actions. People need to learn to take responsibility for their own actions.

There may be some things that will never be explained, but very very few.

Yes, we should put aside our differences and work to form a better world. But who's idea of better? A global caliphate?

Yes, getting along is great. And having a good time in life is even better! Of course, some religions look down on having a good time, Southern Baptists, Orthodox Muslims, etc.

Answer 4

It feels so nice and cozy, until a significant emotion event impinges upon your blissfully implacable life! Get ready for it. You will not know whar to do!

You sound like Mahatma Ghandi, when he told the British to lay down their arms if and when the Germans invade Great Britan in WWII. He also said that Hitler wouldn't hurt them and everything would be all right! How right it was for Winston Churchill to rally his fellow countryman against Hitler!

Mother Theresa earned the title "good." Wouldn't you put upon the term "evil" to people who earned it, say, like Saddam Hussein?

You can't prove a university negative, like proving that there is no God, unless you searched the whole universe! To prove that there is a God would required that you fairly entertain the thought that someone created this reality call earth and the universe!

Answer 5

I agree with most of the statements you make. Question 2, I think we can make the world a better place. While making it perfect is beyond our abilities I think we should try to reduce poverty and suffering of loved ones and strangers. We may not be able to do much but we should try.

You one about never being able to explain the universe, you might be right but I think the drive for a greater understanding and knowledge is one of the most noble things we can do.

I agree with your general sentiment, but as I’ve stated a few details need to be worked out.

In response to your last question – YES, Yes and Yes.

Answer 6

That would be nice. Unfortunately the Christian faith is not content to leave things at that. The exclusivity doctrine and the "command" to "spread the word" actively encourage Christians to get into conflict with all others with different beliefs...from atheists to Muslims to Hindus to Shinto. Moreover their Bible accuses such non-believers of being either misled or outright evil...and both deserving of terrible penalties.

I have actually heard (in this very board) Christians denying the humanity of various religious groups. As long as this attitude exists there will be no such agreement.

Answer 7

Yes, I agree, but why stop at humans? Why not all the great apes? Or the whole animal kingdom? Sure, most may not be as smart as we do, but we should stand united as Earthlings!

Answer 8

Buddhist philosophy = Karma my friend, Karma. Caring is a boomerang (but Karma never hits you in the head on its way back) Goes straight to the heart. What do you think, am I tacky here?

Answer 9

It is absolutely KEY for people to understand that NO ONE "knows" whether God exists. This knowledge is 100% compatible with all religions; accepting this simple fact allows one to see that all religious beliefs (including atheism and YES atheism is a BELIEF SYSTEM) are equally valid.

Answer 10

Agreed.