do atheists have higher moral code than theists?

Question

it could be strongly argued that far from theists having a moral code higher than an atheist, the reverse is true. If I helped save a baby from a burning building inhaling thick black smoke and putting my own life in danger, I would do so as a natural reaction to save a fellow human being, as apposed to selfishly trying to earn my angel wings to save my soul from suffering eternal damnation in the pits of hell.The idea of the ‘good Christian’, or the ‘Christian thing to do’ soon disappears when it comes to their views on other religions with opposing versions of ‘truth’, or their intolerable views on homosexuality.
Despite the “love thy neighbour” facade, this only applies in the literal sense (as the ‘neighbour’ pertains to -if you are one of us).There is no room for moderation , if you are a gay Christian or Muslim- you are not one at all.

Answer 1

You have a very good point. The argument is perfectly true, and makes a lot of sense. However...

You're attempting to stereotype theists. You assume that we would all do the same act for a different reason than you would, and we all believe the same thing. I would go in to rescue the baby because I don't want someone to die, especially not someone who couldn't save themselves. If I were the kind of Christian you seem to consider me, wouldn't I leave the baby to die, knowing that it would be happier with God in heaven?

I take minor offense at the jibe on homosexuality. Maybe it is just me. Maybe I'm the exception, but I really don't care whether or not someone is homosexual. Does God really care? Didn't He make people who aren't straight, too? In my opinion, Christians who think any of the last few opinions are no Christians at all. Or, if they are, that's their choice, and they should keep it to themselves, and not try to enforce their beliefs on the more open-minded rest of us.

Answer 2

This is a very interesting question.

I would say that the moral code is generally equal - although there are some theists who do good just to save their soul, there are atheists who do good to look like a hero, etc. So to some extent it goes both ways.

However, I would say an atheists morals should be better earned. Instead of being handed a book or morale values to follow (but in many cases not understand), the atheist has to decide for themselves what is right and wrong.

Answer 3

Yes, morality was around long before religion, but I do not think we can make a blanket statement here. There are some religions, both past and present, that have really been beautiful structures that promote morality in individuals. Although, these were mostly spirit energy religions(reincarnation, such as Buddhism), or Polytheistic religions (Hinduism, while interestingly enough also structures in reincarnation).

Polytheistic religions were the first to come about. With the birth of monotheistic religions, came the birth of some pretty hateful and just downright nasty religious structures. I can not see how any person who follows these could have an ounce or morality.

Answer 4

It's an interesting question. I have known a lot of Christians who say things like if you help someone, you get paid back threefold or you'll get a reward in heaven. I personally believe that the feeling you get knowing you helped someone in need is reward enough. When it comes down to it, the motivation behind the good deed very well be less selfish when it comes from a non-Christian. I do things because it's the right thing to do...not because I want a reward of some kind later. Again, interesting question....thanks for the food for thought.

Answer 5

What do morals would desire to do with faith interior the 1st place? I recommend, we are inherently ethical. If we are born in sin then morality and sin are there on the comparable time. as a result, sin(in case you think in sin) can and does co-exist with morality. the main ethical human beings I certainly have properly-known have a deep reverent comprehend for themselves and others no remember their ilk. God did not invent morals. this is a human high quality interior us whether this is acted upon or not. Born into sin? that's the in simple terms authentic guilt holiday. you will discover no morals or ethical training right here. Even the apes have their very own codes of habit which boils all the way down to having morals. You coach me one religious ape.

Answer 6

I think our codes run parallel in most cases. I think the average atheist and average Christian are equally as likely to go into a burning building to save the baby. Their reasons for doing so may be different, but probably not. The atheist may see a life to be saved or an opportunity to get his picture in the paper, depending upon his personality and values. The Christian may see a life to be saved or save the child because Jesus commanded that his followers treat each person as though it were he. Again, it depends upon the individual.

The divergence:
Christians cling to certain rules that are spelled out in their holy book which most atheists would consider outmoded or immoral. For example, there is no rational reason to consider homosexuality as negative or detrimental, but Christians (and other religionists) consider it a "sin" and "perversion" because their holy book says it is. Atheists don't follow rules just because they are written down in an ancient book or proclaimed as undeniable truth by a religious leader. They prefer to use reason to conclude what is an what is not ethical behavior.

Answer 7

Yes, it all comes down to motivation. Christians are extrinsically motivated. This means that they are motivated by external factors and results in superficial reasons for acting. Atheists are intrinsically motivated, This means that they act the way they do without expecting a reward and generally have more profound reasons for acting that way.

Cristians tend to be conditioned using classical means much like Pavlov's dog. No thought required.

Answer 8

it all depends on the motivation of the person. What causes them to follow a moral code? Do they do so for the sake of a reward or is the reward the moral code itself?

I don't think that we can conclude that one group has a higher moral code than The other. I think that we would need to look at each individual.

Answer 9

So could a theist NOT do something nice for someone else just for the sake of doing something nice for another person?

It's true that some people do really do nice things just to earn their Heavenly brownie points. But I don't think all those who believe in a higher power are like that.

Answer 10

I agree with photografr7 This is also supported in the bible.

Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)