Why would an atheist perform a random unseen act of kindness?

Question

If an atheist were presented with the opportunity to perform a random act of kindness that no one would ever know about, and might inconvenience him even the slightest bit, why would he ever even consider doing the act, even if it had a very good chance of saving a life, or even just saving someone a lot or a little bit of money?

The first 30-40 people to answer this question have done so in much the same way. I admit the question was phrased badly, as it led you all to the assumption that I automatically see all atheists as bad people and that I only do good acts for "points."
As a Christian, I was taught to always do good with Jesus Christ as my example. That is, I have some set precedent for believing in the principle of "morality." The question I truly mean to ask atheists is this: If you do not believe in God, then what are the origins of the principles of kindness, compassion, love, and morality? Surely you don't believe that they existed before the evolution of mankind (in which I firmly believe, as any person properly educated in science would)? The human soul as it is (and not the human body) was created in God's image and likeness, and this is why I believe we have these principles.

The first 30-40 people to answer this question have done so in much the same way. I admit the question was phrased badly, as it led you all to the assumption that I automatically see all atheists as bad people and that I only do good acts for "points."
As a Christian, I was taught to always do good with Jesus Christ as my example. That is, I have some set precedent for believing in the principle of "morality." The question I truly mean to ask atheists is this: If you do not believe in God, then what are the origins of the principles of kindness, compassion, love, and morality? Surely you don't believe that they existed before the evolution of mankind (in which I firmly believe, as any person properly educated in science would)? The human soul as it is (and not the human body) was created in God's image and likeness, and this is why I believe we have these principles.

Answer 1

Got me, but we do it all the time.

The more interesting version of your question is "Do believers (of any ilk) only commit random acts of kindness out of fear of their god or as payment of dues?"

Answer 2

You are undoubtedly a religious person who probably feels that only religious people perform acts of kindness. Sorry to disallusion you but your attitude is incorrect. My friend is an atheist but the nicest guy you will ever want to meet and know. He loves animals and gives freely to animal shelters.

he helps our neighbor across the street who is old and doesn't have much money. He buys her food, fills up her car with gas and even keeps her company from time to time. He cries when he sees a photo of a hurt dog or cat on TV and cannot stand watching a hunter taking aim on a deer. I am the same way and I believe in God. He doesn't. An atheist doesn't have to be a member of the Mafia. He doesn't believe in the supreme power but he believes in living creatures regardless of who made them. An atheist doesn't feel God's presence (this is his hard luck) but he isn't necessarily bad. I can point to many Christians who aren't even in the same class as my friend. He is far above them with a better and open heart. Just because you are a Christian and are taught kindness and love from a book doesn't necessarily make a person better. Atheists can be very solid and kind people with big hearts and lots of kindness toward his fellow man.

Answer 3

Because another human being is involved? Or sometimes an animal is involved? Or perhaps because an object of beauty or psychologically important to others? Perhaps because humanity is not a matter of religion, but is a matter of knowing we are part of something bigger than ourselves, even if it is limited to a universe we barely begin to understand. Kindness may be mandated by one s God, for many, perhaps for most. So be it. But it is also wired in the genes of life. From atoms up to us, we must cooperate in the scheme of things (not always well). Some, simply appreciate the reality around us, respect it, and can see the difference between the have and the have-not, and wish to reduce that difference. Do you need a mandate from God to do so? If so, great, do it for that reason. But some may find the same motivation because of an ethical system that respects everything, not only what is mandated. Evrything, because we are part of it.

Answer 4

God has put into every human heart certain qualities. Kindess and compassion are but two examples. People lose these only by their own bad experiences or treatment by others.

I agree with others that your tacit assumption that atheists wouldn't want to do anything good because they "aren't getting points" really unjustly puts not only them down, but believers as well. I strive to do the right thing not because of "points", but because they are right actions.

Answer 5

Of course. Why wouldn't he or she? Do you think people only do good because they have a god watching? Isn't that a petty reason to be good? I have done random unseen act of kindness, because they make ME feel good. Isn't that a good enough reason?

As to what you added on your question, let me ask you. Is fear of god the only reason you do good? If you stopped believing god, would you automatically turn in to a mean self serving person?

Answer 6

We, Atheists, have a coscience too, and that's what leads us to do our best to be good human beings. You don't need to be a believer to be a good human being. So, of course, we would do, and actually perform unseen acts of kindness; the only fifference between us and believers is that believers perform such acts in order to get a reward (salvation and eternal life in Heaven), whereas we just perform them for Mankind's sake and solidarity, expecting nothing in return.
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Answer 7

When you thing about it, atheists are better people because they DO stuff like that all time without believing they will be rewarded for it after their death. It’s called morals and human kindness and if you only do nice things for other just because you think God will like you better then you are obviously fake and I’m sure he can see right through you.

Answer 8

I attempt to. Whenever I participate in a random act of kindness for any one it makes me so comfortable to grasp that I have made any one else comfortable and made a change of their day/existence. It most effective evokes them to do the equal. As a small anecdote, I used to be on a date with a man whilst I spotted a lady wheeling a carriage drop the little one's teddy undergo. I excused myself from my date, picked up the teddy undergo and stuck up with this lady. The lady used to be so comfortable! She advised me: "I must do matters like this extra on the whole!" The feeling one has after being form is indescribable. You could make a change in any one's existence!

Answer 9

Are you insinuation religious people only do acts of kindness so their god of choice can see and put a good check in the magical book by their name? It would seem you are...

I am Atheist I perform random acts of kindness because I like to help my fellow man.. There is no need for good marks or recognition.. Knowing I helped someone who needed help is more than enough reward for me..

Answer 10

What does the word "unseen" have to do with wanting to perform acts of kindness to your fellow human? I peform acts of kindness to my fellow humans and I don't need to let the world know about it just so I can get a pat on the back for it.
Flawed argument!

Answer 11

Because it is the right thing to do. Have you ever heard the expression "Virtue is its won reward"? Performing an act of kindness under those circumstances is more meaningful because you don't do it for points from a deity.