Is it fair to say that when atheists do good it is for nobler reasons than when theists do so?

Question

After all they do not expect the reward of heaven.Are you truly doing good if you expect something in return?

Frodo-fair point I should have said afterlife[Ithink that covers most theistic religions].

Answer 1

Oh absolutely. Atheism is really the only worldview which allows for true morality.

Answer 2

One really can't make such a blanket statement. Just because someone believe in God, doesn't mean that God and Heaven would be the ONLY reason to do good. Being a Theist doesn't preclude one from genuine feeling of goodwill toward their fellow human being. Also, an atheist could possibly be doing good, just to get recognition from other people, or maybe a tax deduction or a tax credit. An atheist could also use their good deeds to manipulate people. For example, do someone a small favor, and then later, tell that person "you owe me" or "how could you do that after all I have done for you" I think there are noble and not so noble people across the Theistic spectrum. I don't think there are any blanket statements that could apply.

Answer 3

I don't do anything ever with expectation of "reward". I do what I do for people because I want to. If I ever expected anything in return from any of the countless people I've helped over the years, I'd be a very wealthy man right now. However, I chose as payment their happiness and simple "thank-you". Is that noble enough?

Answer 4

Hi Peter,

I agree with your concept but I think you are casting stereotype (theists have external motivation for doing good) against stereotype (atheists have intrinsic motivation or at least atheists do not have the same external motivation) . Myself I am not an atheist but I'm not a follower of any organized religion either. Me, a heathen but am a very spiritual person.

Good people are good people. Period. Their religious affiliations, spiritual path or lack there of really do not play any bearing. If a person is motivated to do good because of some external motivation then you may need to question their motivation. I believe that good people are internally motivated to do good simply because it feels better than hurting others. Their "reward" is simply being true to themselves and feeling good about what they have done as opposed to feeling bad.

Cheers.

Answer 5

I don't think it's fair all the time to say that. I know many theists who do good things just because they're good people. I know some atheists who wouldn't give a glass of water to a dying man if they knew he was a Christian. (No one here, just people I know out in RL.)

If on the other hand you're talking about these folks who do good things and then brag about all the good they've done... there's nothing noble in that. That's advertising your goodness for praise, and it's rarely altruistic.

Answer 6

I do good and I don't expect the reward of heaven. I know that I'm going to heaven by my faith and God's grace, not by good works.
When I do volunteer work or random acts of kindness, it's because it's the right thing to do and I enjoy helping others... simple reason. Now, the fact that it's pleasing to God, that's a bonus!!

Answer 7

To be honest, a good deed is a good deed! Acceptance of your deeds is based on your intentions. The Lord will only accept deeds done for Him alone (not associating any partners with him) and that conform to the way he has laid down through his revelations to the Prophets. Though the doer of good will always receive a reward based on their actions. Their ultimate destination will depend on their intention! God knows best!

Answer 8

As a theist, more specifically, a Christian...the things I do on earth do not earn me any more of a special place in heaven.

I do the things on earth for the sake of treating someone else with respect. They are called morals. Every atheist knows that Christianity is not works based...thus meaning that whatever I do doesn't make God love me more...

Christians do moral things for the sake of the better man, because we live our life in accordance to the Bible....which is a nobler cause.

Answer 9

If a person sacrifices their life to save the life of another, is the act tainted because they are a believer. How could it be? I think people who feel the need to help do so from inside; whether it be guidance from God that is accepted or guidance from God that is unknown it is the same act. I do not know many people who are keeping score in their head when they give of themselves to someone else.

Answer 10

I do good deeds because I want to, and in hopes that the person I help may do the same for someone else. I'm a big fan of the concept of paying it forward.

Answer 11

I don't know if you can make such blanket statements about individual atheists and believers, but yes, in principle, a morality based on authority is relatively shallow compared with an atheistic morality.