This is a true story. The other day an atheist I know found a bag laying by the sidewalk. In it was a wallet, several credit cards, a cell phone, a check book, a watch and some other things of value. She found the guys address in the check book and took the bag to the apartment complex office where he lived. It turned out the bag belonged to an older gentleman in a wheelchair who was incredibly happy to get it back. His response was "God was sure watching out for me!" She just smiled and was happy that he was so happy, but she felt like maybe she should have said something about her being an atheist to the guy. What do you think?
2007-04-17 23:47:55 · 26 answers · asked by in a handbasket 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
She was not offended in the least. I guess I should have been clearer. She wondered if by telling him she was an atheist he might have seen that atheists are good people, too. Its early and I didn't write well. And, yes, he did thank her. She felt good doing what she did and wasnt upset with him in the least.
2007-04-18 00:01:26 · update #1
She should have done exactly what she did.
Using that moment to mention her atheism would be the equivalent of a religious person saying something like "God led me to do this" if the situation were reversed.
Kudos for anyone who does good for others!
I don't actually see the relevance of mentioning one's religion in cases like this. I found a credit card lying in the parking lot of a store I frequent, and when I turned it in to store security I didn't mention my religion.
It didn't even occur to me to use that moment as PR for Pagans.
Peace out.
2007-04-18 02:51:22 · answer #1 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Presumably the movements of an atheist institution resemble a pass among a natural-curiosity membership and an activist/aid institution. I suppose that individuals join up, have snacks, and speak approximately problems valuable to atheism: freedom of faith problems within the information, reviews of prejudice or loss of aid from loved ones and peers, fascinating clinical breakthroughs or nontheistic spirituality (relying at the awareness of the institution), or perhaps they only all celebration for a hike or a recreation of D&D. I suppose the main factor is letting atheists think like they are no longer by myself; in a society wherein the bulk percentage distinctive devout ideals and practices, it may be setting apart to not have the identical ideals.
2016-09-05 16:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think she was a fine example of humanity for returning his bag, and even more so for staying quiet about her beliefs.
There was no reason to tell this man that she is an atheist. After all, in his opinion God led her to the bag knowing that she would return it. Why challenge his beliefs? In this particular situation there's no point to it, nothing to be gained. It only would have served to make the man uncomfortable.
She made an old man happy and should be satisfied with that.
2007-04-18 00:02:20 · answer #3 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And you wonder why atheists feel so persecuted all the time.
No, she should not have said anything, unless she wanted to spark a religious debate. But this goes a long way in explaining to me why atheists are always complaining about people "forcing their religion" on everybody. I have not had anyone try to talk to me about religion for over 10 years - and I lead a pretty active life. But if I took every opportunity to challenge the beliefs of those around me, I would probably encounter some conflict now and then.
2007-04-17 23:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, actually she handled the situation beautifully
It was perfectly okay for her not to say something.
If I, as a Christian, were in that same situation and the owner of the wallet were a Hindu or a Mulsim and had said, "Allah/ Ganesh was sure watching out for me!" I would have just smiled and been happy too.
2007-04-18 00:19:27 · answer #5 · answered by biiiiaaach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheist, there is more to being an Atheist then just saying that you are one. The word mean nothing to anyone but the Atheist. It's like this; I drink alcohol sometimes. When I get around a recovering alcoholic, I don't feel that I should announce that I get drunk sometimes.
Good Luck, Katy
2007-04-18 00:06:50 · answer #6 · answered by kkaty@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why? What would be the relevance? Her faith or lack thereof had nothing to do with his. Was it luck or God's will that someone with an actual moral compass found his bag? Who can make that call? Most people would probably have stolen anything of value. It's a miracle that everything was returned.
2007-04-17 23:51:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Had she said something or not about her being an atheist, it makes no difference. God uses people to do His will, even atheists. The old gentleman did his part by being God's witness, giving Him glory for taking care of his needs.
2007-04-17 23:59:34 · answer #8 · answered by afewideas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be nice if the news got out that, yes, Atheists are good people too (*Gasp* who knew? *wink*) But in a situation like that, there really is no reason to bring it up. There are other ways to show people that Atheists are not what the Fanatics try to make them out to be.
2007-04-18 02:19:24 · answer #9 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was the right thing to do
and if we do the right thing , then it matters not what anyone else thinks
I wouldnt bother explaining if i was an atheist
I would just feel good for doing the right thing
and if it made the man happy to think that , then I would be even happier he was happy
2007-04-17 23:51:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋