What's better...a Christian or an Atheist?

Question

OK, I'll explain:
If a Christian does "good" because he/she is afraid of going to hell or falling out of the grace of God
and
If an Atheist does "good" just to do good, because it's right and there's no fear of judgement
then

who's the better person?

Answer 1

With that qualifier, the atheist is obviously "better."

The Christian simply adheres to his set of fixed moral conventions (or fails to adhere, racks himself with guilt, and begs God's forgiveness) because he's "looking out for number one." He's afraid of hell and wants to secure a good seat in heaven. It's crass self-concern, however disguised in terms of altruism and piety.

The atheist, meanwhile, insofar as he IS "moral," must be so for reasons other than the crude system of supernatural threats and rewards. He must actually have a conscience. And it's frightening to "Christians," morally bankrupt as they are, to imagine that somebody might arrogate to himself the right to arbitrate his own actions in terms of his own innate sense of justice and equity; but only because they make the mistake of transferring their own degenerate psychology to the rest of the world.

We're speaking generally here, of course. There are Christians so-called who actually DO have some inherent concept of true morality, just as there are atheists who are just plain jerks. But Christianity as an institution certainly perpetuates the attitude above described, the inferiority complex that compels the devout to petition the Old Man in the Sky for salvation like cons up for parole. "Your God is an old man whom you cheat." -Ibsen.

Answer 2

neither. A good Christian would do what is right regardless of being judged. If God's love is in their heart's, then they believe in a purity of soul. An Atheist derives morals based on societies' standards or even high-level thinking Atheist's will base their actions upon their conscience. A strong conscience or a strong soul are one in the same. Jesus sacrificed his life at an attempt to create a better future. The writer, Richard Dawkins, hopes to make a more safer less prejudice future for Atheists in making people aware of what a true Atheist is. Neither is better. Neither is worst. and if some how we could come together and look beyond these prejudice views... then we will all be humbled at the brilliance of human individuality. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to let us see this in race. One day, surely we all can live by his words as applicable to religious beliefs.

Answer 3

I can tell by the way you worded your question that you think atheists are better,but did any of you ever consider that Christians also do good things out of the kindness of their hearts? There is no difference between atheists and Christians except a different belief system.

Answer 4

First, Christians are not "good" only out of fear!

People who are honorable ethical good people are all good on this earth.
But to assure eternal life for your soul, one must realize that God sent His Only Begotten Son to the end that all who believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

That would be the difference

Answer 5

I think we should all do good just because it is the right thing to do.Christians and atheist.One is not better than the other.The christian should do good for the right purpose and reason,but i believe we are all equal,it is just some of us are slow to learn .It is like a school where all the different grades are in the same classroom,learning at different speeds

Answer 6

Excellent! However, I'm going to avoid the obvious (at least to me). I think that regardless of the reason, doing good makes you a better person. Sorry for not giving a clear answer...

Answer 7

The Atheist taking action in life out of Love, will continue to bare love for others , and therefore help others whom need help , regardless of there kind. While the Christian living out of Fear, shall follow the road which fear brings. Fear of helping others whom need it most, fear of loving those whom need it most, fear of living and loving life for what it is. Living out of Fear, one always sees Hell, yet living out of Love, one always Knows Heaven.

Answer 8

Someone who is only moral because they are afraid of the consequences is a rather scary thought. What if the consequence wasn't there? Would they become immoral?

I think that if you are moral because you know it's right, you're a better person, regardless of what religion (or lack of religion) you are.

Answer 9

Atheist

Answer 10

Given your example, I would say the Atheist.
It is always better to do good simple for goodness's sake than out of fear or want of reward.