2007-02-08 05:20:54 · 55 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The quiet dignity that you feel for knowing that you are a rational person.
2007-02-08 05:24:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 1⤋
Rather strange way to put it, "perks"...hmmm. To "thrive" which is the ONLY meaning of life; to be free to be myself without feeling controlled by dogma; to make my own moral choices; to feel the serenity for not being consumed with hatred for those who have "faith" in a disparity of gods. & more. When I read the answers, I was amused by a question recently asked about--where were the "nice" Atheists on this board. Where are the "nice" Christians? How silly--"..without God you really have nothing to live for.." (Here is a civil response: Do Christians only live to die?) "...no moral values" (Atheists of course!) "(striving to no end for no purpose) a foolish darkened mind.." The silliest of all was the "angry" all in caps: "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ATHEIST!!!" That is really nice, don't you think? Oh yes, I'll add one more. One of the "perks" is being a nice person because I want to be, & I'm not looking for rewards after I die.
2007-02-08 06:00:14 · answer #2 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These are the perks that I've found.
1. Time - Think about all of the time that theists spend in prayer, in church, at bible study, etc. Over the course of a lifetime, that must add up to years, depending on just how devout the person is. We have all of that time to spend on things that matter to us, and make this life here on earth more enjoyable.
2. Money - Churches take in millions of dollars a year, and pay no taxes on any of it. The majority of that money comes from the faithful who attend it. We get to keep all of that money instead of giving it to a religious institution. Sure, some of that money goes to help the less fortunate, but many atheists contribute to their favorite charitable organizations directly, and there are even some charitable organizations that were started by atheists.
3. Freedom from guilt - Many religions, especially the christian religions, teach us to be guilty about many things, including things that we have no reason to feel guilty about. We are free from that extranneous guilt, and live happier lives for it.
4. Freedom from sexual hangups - Many religions, especially the christian religions, teach us that our bodies and physical desires are sinful. They take a fundamental part of what we our, our sexuality, and they make it dirty and wrong. They teach us to deny our sexual feelings, so when we fail to do so, they can impose that guilt (see #3) to re-enforce the feeling that we need to be saved. Most atheists are free from that particular mind game. We acknowledge our desires, and do not feel guilty about exploring them.
This isn't a complete list, and I could go on, but I'm sure there are others that can add to this list.
2007-02-08 08:38:59 · answer #3 · answered by eviltruitt 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Knowing that of all my faults, superstitions aren't one of them. Religion is a mind numbing way of life, it closes ones ability to see the world and people in real terms.
Religion, is and always has been a way for 'some' to control 'others', gaining wealth and power. Religions in the main are violent and dishonest.
Religions don't offer me anything 'good'. I only ever see the hate or their need to control.
Freedom; is what I see as the biggest perk to Atheism.
2007-02-08 05:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, you have NO paternity. YOu were an accident, you know like in "the bag broke."
You get to BUY Richard Dawkins books.
You get to do what you want on both Saturday and Sunday
You get to say hello to your grandaddy the Chimp or Ape at the zoo
You get to have Christmas Day off with PAY without having to earn it.
You get to be taxed in Islamic nations, if not killed as an infidel
You get to invite Jehovah's witnesses (or Mormons) into your house and then sit across from them, smoke a cigarette, have a beer and burp without any regrets.
2007-02-08 05:30:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A twelve percent discount at the International house of Atheists pancake breakfast club, and if that's not enough You get a really cool class ring with a lovely blue glass stone! Oh, and the women are pretty and smart too!
2007-02-08 05:25:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle rather than going to church.
Living a good life for today, rather than for the reward of some imagined paradise later.
A lot less guilt.
2007-02-08 05:24:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Freedom
2007-02-08 05:26:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Futility in life (striving to no end for no purpose), a foolish darkened mind, skepticism, etc... but I wouldn't call them perks.
2007-02-08 05:36:36 · answer #9 · answered by Jerry 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to me the responses sound pretty empty...sleeping in on sunday mornings. and in some instances such as,freedom to make choices...similar to what I believe I gain from being a christian. I freely chose to believe what I believe and act according just like your actions are dictated by your belief that there is no God.
2007-02-08 05:50:48 · answer #10 · answered by Forever_Young 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perks?-I don't remember it ever being called a club but I do enjoy a much higher self-esteem.
2007-02-08 05:27:16 · answer #11 · answered by strpenta 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋