Atheists, does it matter if i do things for the wrong reasons?

Question

Does it really matter if my motivation is different than yours if i still want to do the same things you do? Can you really say that my compassion is counterfeit simply because i acknowledge the existence of the Creator of the Universe?

Is it even possible that even though we have different ideologies that we may have the same motives?

Great Gazoo, i don't blame you i am just wondering why some people push all of us for what the fundanazis do

Kidd i hope you are not saying that we should not work with atheists for good causes

Missing Link , that was a very kind thing to say , Peace to you

Seattlefan74, actions > thoughts to me as well

Answer 1

I'm from Holland. We have a political system with several political parties. Our parliament has around 10 different political parties in it right now.

Our government is formed as a coalition between a Christian political party and a left-winged liberal party, supported by many, many atheists. In this government we have an atheist minister of education, for example.

My point is: those both political parties actually share a lot: Compassion for humanity, hope for a better world.

The differences are in the details. The left-winged party is in favor of gay marriage, without restrictions. The Christian party is also in favor of gay marriage, but wants civil servants to have the freedom to deny to peform a gay marriage based on their religion. So, they compromized.

If we could all simply compromize on the details, it would be much easier to focus on the real things. And the real things are not argueing over the fact whether you believe there is a Creator or not. That's simply part of our freedom.

Answer 2

I onnly have one problem with what you have said. You said you "acknowledge the existence of the Creator of the Universe." This is incorrect. In reality, you believe that such a being exists, with which I have no problem. But you are condescending when you use absolutes, just like when atheists say there is absolutely no god. Both are assumptions, when in reality, no one really knows. We believe. That is the entire premise of religion: faith and/or belief. Atheists believe there is no god; all other religions believe that god (or gods) in one form or another does (do) exist. As for your compassion, I cannot say one way or the other. I don't know you; I can only read you choose to write. Therefore, I only get a glimpse of who you really are, if even that much. I will not judge you for your thoughts; they are inconsequential compared to your actions. Can you say the same about me?

Answer 3

David, I would never consider your compassion to be counterfeit. You give some of the most thoughtful answers of anyone here. I'm sure you work hard to help others and that is obviously a good thing.

However, your belief in God remains something I cannot agree with. I grew up and catholic and saw an organisation rotten to the core with greed and curruption. I think the same can probably be said of most religions.

I cannot possibly believe in God, or any creator/supreme being concept, and I see a world that could be rid of so many problems if religion ceased to be.

Carry on with your compassion, no one in their right mind would criticise you for that.

Answer 4

"of people who spoke back with what they believed 3 theists have been given it top, a million have been given it incorrect." I only have one question for you: how are you able to come returned to a determination what's declared is right or incorrect? Forming a prior concept that persons could consider is a worry-unfastened fallacy. It reflects an extremely reliable occasion of presumption. to respond to your question, theists are making use of the type and discern thought. you will discover something that replaced into created on the canvas via something else, like the vase and 2 faces phantasm. They be certain an overseer or set of overseers exist via finding at what they see in actual existence after which extrapolate. So, sure, the two camps require one in all those reasoning, yet one tries to be extra resourceful than the different, very resembling what we see in a bite of paintings. One person sees elegance, the different god.

Answer 5

that is a very good and hard to answer question.
morals and motivation can be varied as b&w, as can interpretation.
using your exaple of compassion, if the compassion is based on anothers interests, or your own, then it is two very different things.
so i think rather than atheistic v theistic
it depends more on the individual motives.
people generalise asumptions of peoples motives when there is a group mentality, following common rule.

Answer 6

If we could all put religion aside to make the world a better place, I would be all for that. I don't care what anyone's motivation is as long as the greater good is the outcome. Afterall, I do not mind the beliefs of those who are religious. It is their actions that I sometimes question.

Answer 7

You are putting too much thought on what other people think. The bottom line is, are you a good person? Do you have a good heart? Do you try to do the right thing?
That is all that matters.

Answer 8

The Golden Rule works whether you're Religious or Atheist. Most of the commandments are just variations of "Do unto others..." Be a good person, be nice to your fellow man, and it's all good.

Answer 9

Evangelical atheists are just as annoying as evangelical religious types. I think an insecurity in their personal philosophy. You can believe the world is a disc supported by four giant elephants as long as you keep it to yourself and are a decent person.

Answer 10

In general atheists would not question your motivations to do good works.
An individual's intentions are very important in Buddhist thought