How do atheists approach the ideals of fasting, abstinence, etc.?

Question

I'm not trying to say that atheists are completely hedonistic, however I dont' see many of them speak of the benefits of self-denial.

I appreciate a large variety of opinions, agreeable or not. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

If denial works for you, go for it.

While this atheist doesn't see a point to abstinence or fasting, there are plenty of atheists who use denial to focus themselves. Many atheists meditate.

But I personally do not view it as a positive direction for my spiritual growth. I view such denial as distractions. Others are able to see past that distraction, though.

Answer 2

Such things are hardly ideal...

Fasting is damaging to your body, not healthy and doesn't particularly mean anything unless it's done as a form of protest. Fasting by the likes of Ghandi to advance a cause or raise moral awareness are great, fasting just to fast is silly.

If people want to be abstinent that's their personal choice...

However abstinence itself isn't an ideal and is certainly nothing to promote. People who pledge abstinence actually have higher std rates than those who don't - they almost always break abstinence at some point and are much less likely to use protection or understand safe sex. While it may be admirable if people were true to it, people really aren't true to it and it makes things much worse for everyone.

Answer 3

I've always been confused by the thought that atheists have no moral guidance.

A large number of scientists are atheists, and yet they work their entire lives to better society for non-glamorous pay. I know many doctors and nurses that are atheists. I know many people that give their time freely, such as volunteering as coaches for youth sports or to help the needy, that are atheists.

I suppose my goal has always been to better the lives of the people around me, and I don't do it to get myself into Heaven or to look good in church, or to pay penance for any sins. I have one life to live, and I had best do it right the first time. When we value each other as humans, don't blame someone's misfortune on a god, or make distinctions of worth based on denomination, we can sure get a lot more done and help a lot more people.

As to abstinence, when you don't attach religious guilt to it, you make better decisions. I don't sleep around because I value myself and want an emotional connection, and I never feel forced into it by religious ideals, so I'm less likely to rebel. They have proven that the "choose the right" groups do very little to promote teenage abstinence.

Answer 4

I don't see the point of fasting. Does it make you more thankful for food if you fast a day? Or what's the deal with fasting? I honestly don't see the point.

I do see the point in sharing though. When I'm hungry, I eat. When I see another hungry person that can't afford food, I'll make sure that person eats too. Not as an act of altruism, but as an act of selfishness. Becaue that is what makes me thankful for the food I am able to eat every day.

Fasting would only be useful, if you would actually give away the stuff you didn't eat to the people who need it more.

Answer 5

why do you think so negatively about them? i don't live my life by a book that people believe in desperately want to be true i live my life with good intentions i don't talk about or suppress my beliefs on any one but only if they ask and then i tell i choose not to force my beliefs down peoples throats like the rest of the world. i believe people who want to believe in something will come looking for it NOT the other way round. people in religion have lost the ability to speak or worship there beliefs there way have you notices how there's always a nasty little person trying to spread what they think is right? its every where. religion is about power, power over peoples fears. my beliefs are to do with nature the earth is my God she will look after me as long as i look after her that's how it works and when we die are bodies become her. its a circle of life. there is no self-denial as you put it the same can be said about religion what good ever came from believing in a religion? when that question was asked before many basically gave quite selfish answers i found, they'd rather fall out of friends and family then etc then loose faith and making sure they get a close luxury sit next to there god. people have falling out with each other because one has a different opinion and its sad.very sad and its all self thinking.

Answer 6

Not all people who drink beer are alcoholics. Similarly, I take exception of your comparison of atheists to hedonists simply because we don't have deprivation rituals. Keep in mind that we don't have any rituals. Atheists are a very diverse group, only tied together by a lack of belief in god(s).

To properly respond to your question, I'd have to know what you think the benefits of self-denial are. I don't see saving yourself for marriage as virtuous. This isn't to say that we should all be out having sex in the streets. There are plenty of reasons, such as unwanted pregnancy and any number of STDs, to refrain from or limit sexual activity.

As for fasting, I don't see any benefit unless you're trying to foster compassion for people who don't have enough to eat. Other than that, I only know of spiritual reasons for fasting. As I do not believe in god and am not otherwise spiritual, I don't see the merit in fasting for these reasons.

Answer 7

Fasting might be healthy, I think it is an issue for doctors and health consultants. Abstinence, well, regarding alcohol and drugs I'd say periods of abstinence are healthy too. Regarding se>< or whatever you might hint at, abstinence is a non-issue. Well, maybe if you're sick or so.
What are the benefits of self-denial? Can't see any particular ones.

Answer 8

Well, I have done fasts before as a method of cleaning out my body. I can't do them anymore because of health issues.

By abstinence I assume that you mean abstinence from sexual activity. I think that sex is something that each individual needs to decide for him or herself. I have had sex before marriage but have never and will never be promiscuous. I think that teaching "abstinence only" to children is doing them a grave disservice, as it doesn't prepare them to make their own choices.

I don't consider myself a hedonist at all.

Answer 9

When I am hungry, I eat. I eat until my hunger is satisfied and then I stop.

I am married and see absolutely no point in abstaining in this point in my life. However there have been times when it was prudent for me to do so. As I tell my daughter, if you're not prepared to raise a youngster, you'd best practice either safe sex or saying "no".

I don't see a great deal of benefit in self-denial for its own sake. There are times in all of our lives when we must do without things we want for one reason or another, but to do so *just* for the sake of... What? Feeling better by making yourself feel bad? I do not see the sense of it.

.

Answer 10

There are reasons outside of religion for one to fast or abstain from something. Such as health.

I just don't happen to believe in not eating. I mean, damn! Food good! Lots of food better!

As for abstinence, I rarely drink. That's something. There's no reason for me not to have sex.

I'm just not overly into health issues. I'm sure there are plenty of atheists out there who've had high colonics, went on fasts, and have abstained from things.

But they've done it for more plausible reasons.