Seriously. I'd like to know the benefits. I can see the benefits for having a religion. You belong to a group that believes the same things as you, that support you, that are there for you. You have hope in something beyond you, you have a sense of purpose in your life, the list goes on.
2006-12-28 07:04:37 · 48 answers · asked by punkkirk 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
the benefit of being an atheist is that you are open-minded, you are not limited by religion, you can question what seems questionable to you, you act the way you do because you know that it's right, not because it's written in a book, you're tolerant and don't impose your beliefs upon others
2006-12-28 07:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by Yulia 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you can do whatever you like with no consequence. No feelings of guilt or worry. Just make your way thru life however you want to. Doesnt mean you have to be unkind or not compassionate or caring. Just means you dont subscribe to a particular religion or believe in god. Im agnostic, i believe there may be something but am not sure what. I dont think man is that much of a higher power that he can describe exactly what is out there and put it into words, and the bible has had to have become so distorted and misquoted over time. it really cannot be used as a reliable source of historical info. People back then used a lot of stories didnt they? like the other fairy stories that have survived? So how do we know the bible isnt a big complication of them? Atheist or agnostic seems the only sensible option to me and it isnt harming anyone or indeed anyone else's business if someone chooses to live their life like this.
2006-12-28 07:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The benefits of being an atheist - first of all, my Sundays are free to do whatever the hell I want. Secondly, I don't have that whole "don't do this or else..." cloud hanging over my head. I think that the best way to sum it up is freedom and enlightenment - I don't believe in God, heaven - or, for that matter, hell - and when I die, I'm gone - that's it (though, I do sort of believe in reincarnation, based on some things I've learned, some people I've talked to, and de ja vu - does that make me 'religious'?). So, my philosophy on life - as an atheist - is to live life to its fullest, take nothing for granted, and enjoy the time you have, because when it's over - it's over. As a result, I'm pretty laid back, I'm responsible only to myself and to those who's lives I touch - my family, friends, etc. - and I'm free!
I live a good life - I obey the law (except for that whole speeding thing - c'mon - if man had made cars to do the speed limit, there would be no car that went over 55 MPH, right?), I mow my lawn, I go to work every day, and I put food on my family's table every night - and a roof over our head. Is there anythign else I need to do?
2006-12-28 07:11:43 · answer #3 · answered by gatesfam@swbell.net 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
So without a religion, I cannot believe in the general good of the universe, a sense of meaning to my life, membership in groups with shared interests (religion isn't the only shared interest, after all...), etc? I suppose you presume that I cannot be an ethical person either without a belief in a deity?
Your bias is showing.
In fact, atheism sucks at times -- we don't have an invisible sky daddy to believe is watching us and is going to right all the wrong things in our lives. We don't just have to say sorry to him and all is forgiven -- we have to actually apologize to the person we wronged and pay the price here and now, we don't get to just say, "Oh, but I'm washed in his blood!".
What's the benefit? Responsibility. I am responsible for myself. That means when I fail, I pay the price, and when I succeed, the acclaim is all mine (or my groups, if it was a team effort).
2006-12-28 07:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Atheists have a sense of purpose in life, too, only we don't wait for someone to tell us what that purpose should be. Each individual has the power to assign meaning to his or her own life.
But to answer the main question--it's not about the benefits. We honestly believe that there are no supernatural beings and it's irresponsible and foolish to live as though there were such. We prefer reality, warts and all, to even the most comforting fantasy.
2006-12-28 07:06:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
there is no benefit. Why should there be? My own selfishness takes me to atheism? No. I only don't believe and that's all. If you want a group to support you, you can also be part of a football team. If you have someone to love, you have a purpose in your life. The list also goes on...
2006-12-28 07:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by kamelåså 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Although I am not an athiest I believe the feel purpose in their life or as much or little as anyone else(as a whole). They dont have a God to "fear". The dont have any rules to live by in order to get somewhere. They simply lead their lives,hopefully with morale and are condfident enough with themselves to not rely on something that cant be proven. As they die they have no hell to dread going to,just a sense of peace.
2006-12-28 07:08:33 · answer #7 · answered by TrofyWife 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Benefits of atheism:
1) Groups for support - American Atheists, British Humanist Society, Secular Humanists.
2) Not as fearful of death.
3) A better understanding of the natural world.
Again, the list goes on and on.
2006-12-28 07:07:41 · answer #8 · answered by Nowhere Man 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Ummm...hmmm...wow, I can't think of any because there are none. If there is no God, then your life ultimately means nothing. Since there is no enduring purpose to life,there's no right or wrong way to live it. And it doesn't matter how you live or what you believe - your destiny is dust.
P.S. Notice how many atheists say there are no benefits? Interesting, huh?
2006-12-28 07:07:18 · answer #9 · answered by cnm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can have a great support system without being part of a church. You can also have good morals and values without being part of a church. Practicing a certain religion does not make you a good person and it is not the only way to find purpose in life. Get over yourself.
2006-12-28 07:15:50 · answer #10 · answered by Gen 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋