Atheists live and love for this life , the religious for a different (after) life .
2007-01-30 02:24:05 · 14 answers · asked by jsjmlj 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Who says atheists aren't religious? An Atheist is someone who does not believe in God. They still have beliefs. And there is little reason to think their beliefs are more humanitarian. For may atheists it's: the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest, and who ever dies with the most wins.
For those who believe in God, there is a responsibility to a higher being above and beyond their own self interest.
Christians, that is those who follow the teachings of Jesus, believe all men are children of the same God and therefore we all have a responsibility to each other that goes beyond even our own needs.
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2007-01-30 03:08:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not Catholic, but the Catholic Church has done much in the way of humanitarian efforts. The thing you need to keep in mind is that humanitarian intent is only based on the views of the popular society of the time. In the eyes of the "civilized" world in previous centuries, the Catholicism was indeed the source for humanitarian activities, although today we see that their assistance has also significantly altered (disrupted?) the course of cultures around the world.
It's a catch 22. Missions today serve as safe havens for homeless and hungry in the streets of Los Angeles, and work to feed and shelter the same in many other less developed nations around the world. Of course, they impart their spiritual and moral views in the process, but to a starving, cold child, the aid is supportive of their views. Missionaries would say that God allows for them to do such holy work to heal and help the less fortunate. Who is to say? The argument about the source is irrellevant; the point is, basic human survival needs are being supplied around the world. Who and why is secondary.
Insofar as athiests go, you will find that there are just as many athiests with hidden agendas as there are religious parishners. Good will to other human beings is not about spirituality, or taught morality. It's about personal morality; what each of us, inside ourselves, believe to be *right* and just.
It has nothing to do with spiritual faith, or void of such.
2007-01-30 11:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by Suleeto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've met Atheists with far more compassion for animals and children than
ANY Christian I've ever met. If that tells you something...
I've met several Christians who beat their children to a pulp,--as welll as the dog, you know how it goes--
I've yet to meet an atheist who even hits their kid or could even hurt a fly,.
(I know Christians will try to say the ol' fall back "well they must not have been "REAL" christians,
well they certainly think they are and as much as they beat their children with the bible and go on and on about Jesus' love and prayer, they sure sound real to me, maybe they are just 'forgiven'
but that's besides the point because their nature is still cruel and without compassion.)
2007-01-30 10:31:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
since the only unifying force behind atheism is that none of us believe in gods I don't think you can make such a sweeping statement and not look like a fool.
I understand Humanitarianism is an informal ideology of practice, whereby people practice humane treatment and provide assistance to others.
How does that even rhyme with your next conclusion (atheist this life, theist afterlife)
2007-01-30 10:33:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all boils down to intentions. It would seem that some atheists do good for good sake, because they have some internal driving force toward good.
Some Christians rely on external rewards and punishments before they are willing to do good.
2007-01-30 10:33:19 · answer #5 · answered by Honest Opinion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want facts? A survey was taken on who gives the most to charities across the US. The Christians with less income gave more than the secular with more income.
2007-01-31 13:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by spareo1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am inclined to agree. I know that we don't get a second chance in some other dimension. So I'm trying to do the best I can in this life. It's the only chance I get to do something extraordinary.
2007-01-30 10:30:01 · answer #7 · answered by Gene Rocks! 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What I've seen is that it has nothing to do with one's religion. Christians and atheists are equal in the "doing good deeds department" in my experience. Which is enough proof to me that religion is not needed.
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2007-01-30 10:31:43 · answer #8 · answered by Weird Darryl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes
Most atheists were against slavery. But Christians used to justify it by using the bible
2007-01-30 10:30:10 · answer #9 · answered by Born again atheist 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
If true, it speaks very poorly of religious people.
2007-01-30 10:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋