I'm not an atheist, and im not trying to encourage anyone, or offend anyone, but I was just thinking. (Atheists) All, or at least part of your lives, you dont have religious "rules" to follow because none are set for you. So basically, you do not have to worry about sin too much. ie You can be openly gay because, according to you, there is no afterlife so you should live the way you want. However, for us non-atheists, we have to worry about doing good deeds and doing less sin, etc. (which I try to do). Aren't your lives pretty laid back and fun without such limitations?
2007-02-24 14:31:31 · 22 answers · asked by Omer 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dez _Irae:
No, it was just part of the question, and I was just using an example to back it up. Maybe I shouldn't have used that example?
And sorry if you thought you were getting lucky or something?
2007-02-24 15:16:24 · update #1
mrs_b40:
Where did I say Atheists had no motivation to do good? If anything, I was trying to say that some people only do good deeds because they feel they have to because of their religion and not out of their heart. I used being gay as an example because it is already against many religions, and nothing more. If I knew how to edit what I wrote, I promise I would change that to drinking or something. Aagh, I knew there would be some misunderstandings in the question...but I can't blame you because I'd have to be at fault on my part as well for not being specific enough. Sorry for offending anyone!
2007-02-24 15:22:43 · update #2
And also to clear up some more confusion, when I said "limitations", I meant limitations that would otherwise be imposed through religion (restrictions based on what a religion says is restricted). Atheists are exempt from religious limitations, was all I meant to say. I should have been more clear.
PS -- G Dogg, I wasn't making judgements, I was asking a question and presenting information, for your information. Im starting to think you don't know how to read?
2007-02-24 15:28:12 · update #3
lol Catherine D, you missed the whole point...please read my post again?
2007-02-24 17:02:22 · update #4
For those of you who STILL didn't understand form all of the above:
1.)
I only used homosexuality as an EXAMPLE because it is a common example of something that is against some religions. I am not bashing gays or the like. Where do you see that I put all Atheists are openly gay?? Once again, only an example. Next time I'll use some other example, I promise.
2.) I said NOWHERE that I believe Atheists have no morals or values. I asked a question out of curiousity, and I provided some givens for extra support. I honestly did not mean to say anything that would offend anyone. Kudos to those who understood the true harmless question I intended to ask as the original question.
2007-02-24 18:29:03 · update #5
are you thinking of turning gay?
cuz thats what i see here...
response
*/*/*/*/
Omer, i am female... so you being gay would not have any effect on me.
2007-02-24 14:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by Loathing 6 · 4⤊ 4⤋
I hate being in a position where I feel compelled to defend Atheists because I am a born again Christian. But I feel they are being unjustly accused of having no morals. I find most Atheists have very strong morals and would make fine Christians if they could just bring themselves to believe. Do you think all Atheists have a desire to be openly gay? That is the most silly assertion I have ever heard. You are certainly not a Christian and if I was an Atheists I would deny you too.
2007-02-25 02:09:06 · answer #2 · answered by . 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who says we have NO limitations? We have the limitations that common sense, human decency, and empathy for our fellow men allows us. I know it's a difficult concept for someone like you to grasp, but you CAN figure out ALL ON YOUR OWN how to be a good person. You don't need some book or preacher to tell you.
And yes, someone CAN be openly gay, because there's a heck of a lot worse things you can be doing than loving somebody. I know you think that it's the worst thing possible--worse than murder (you're certainly more focused on it) but your ideas about what's bad can be really petty anyway, so we ignore the nonsense like that.
And yes, my life is GREAT! Thank you for asking. I know you are really concerned about the happiness of others. (Yes, that was sarcasm.)
2007-02-24 22:45:17 · answer #3 · answered by Jess H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People can develop value systems that have nothing to do with religion. There are other benchmarks for what constitutes a good person or a good life. Just like there are bad people leading bad lives who profess some religious affiliation. It's just not that simple.
2007-02-24 22:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by c'mon, cliffy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm Not an Atheists, but dude this question is ignorant and shallow as hell. Isn't your life great making judgments on the way others live, maybe your life would be great if you could get one.
This question embarrassing to me as a Catholic, i hope not everyone looks at us so shallow because of this low intellect you have.
In Reponse to i dont know how to read. Its the way you ask and phrase a question "Well isnt your life great" I'm strating to think your 15
From the Dogg
2007-02-24 22:38:55 · answer #5 · answered by G Dogg 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
So your saying if a person doesn't believe in a higher being....they have NO motivation to do good...that's just wrong! I'm speaking as someone who does believe in a higher being/power....I can not believe that you would imply atheist don't go good works!
So where assuming being gay is a sin? Is that not juding others? How can you judge something you don't understand? Do you understand what it's like to be Gay or drives someone to be Gay?
2007-02-24 22:38:30 · answer #6 · answered by mrs_b40 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
...The only motivation you have for doing good deeds is an ancient religious book and the thought of consequences?
I try to do good things all the time. I do good deeds because it's the right thing to do. I don't need a reward for it. I'm not worried that there's a punishment for not doing it. I don't care who's watching or whether there's a god up above who's impressed by my actions. I do them because it's right and it helps people, and I like to help people.
2007-02-24 22:34:18 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Become an Atheist because you are a free thinker who chooses not to be controlled by Christian(or any other religious) mythology.
You are your own person everyone is born without a religion or hate or intolerance, the environment that is forced upon you is what shapes your perspectives on the world.
2007-02-24 22:37:38 · answer #8 · answered by medsans1 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Yes. But the truth is that I really wouldn't change my life at all if I became a Christian. Well OK, I would lose my free time on Sunday.
There is no reason that anyone needs to live by a Bronze Age set of rules that really don't apply to modern life all the time.
2007-02-24 22:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
just because we do not believe in a higher power doesnt mean that we dont have rules and limitations we still want to do what is write in the world and actually for some it is harder than trusting God because you have to go through so much judgement from religious people and you constantly worry that if you are wrong that you will get sent to hell no matter how good of a person you are...
2007-02-24 22:36:45 · answer #10 · answered by Jazillian 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is sad that your only reason for being a good person is your belief in some sort of reward or punishment.
I try to be a good person because I believe in myself and in my fellow man.
You are right though. I have no belief in "sin".
2007-02-24 22:41:05 · answer #11 · answered by DontPanic 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋