I think this of Atheists, do you agree?

Question

I think it takes some bravery to turn away from sweet offers and salvation, and to take responsibility for your own actions.

I am not an Atheist, but I wan't to hear if anyone can flaw that statement.

I'm sorry "sweet offers and salvation"

Should have read "sweet offers *of* salvation"

Answer 1

especially in a country where Atheism is looked down upon
yes I totally agree with you

Answer 2

If you happen to believe there are no God or gods, then you are an atheist whether you like it or not. The only question is whether you want to publicly pretend that you're not an atheist. What's so brave about choosing to avoid the psychological horrors of trying to live a lie? Actually, I'm some sort of agnostic myself, not an atheist, but the logic applies equally to me (I don't see anything brave about my agnosticism, and I don't think it would be brave of me to become an atheist - if that were psychologically possible for me, which it almost certainly isn't).

As for taking responsibility for your own actions, I expect that many atheists would agree with the celebrated atheist Richard Dawkins' s statement (in his famous book 'The Selfish Gene') that 'no gods' also means 'no Free Will' - and many people (including me) would say that by definition you are not responsible for your actions if you don't have Free Will, because you had no way of acting differently. I'm also agnostic about whether I have Free Will or not, and consequently I'm also agnostic about whether I'm reponsible for my actions or not (and I could add a lot more about all that, but I won't bother).

As for 'sweet offers of salvation', Saint Augustine of Hippo's view is that the so-called Good News of Salvation is that almost everybody is going to suffer eternal agony in Hell (because the relevant Gospel parable's punchline is 'for many are called, but few are chosen'). So I don't see anything 'sweet' about these alleged offers. But I've written a lot more about that elsewhere (see Source below) so I won't try to repeat it here.

Answer 3

I am not an atheist, and I am not a Christian. But, the idea that salvation is even necessary is a harmful fallacy! The idea that anyone is unworthy is a damaging fallacy! The idea that there is only one true Religion or spiritual path, actually mocks God! No one path has all the answers, and all paths have some of the truth. True enlightenment can only come from looking within. The idea that we are separate from each other, and from God, is a damaging illusion. The Literal truth that we are all one, with each other and with God (once enough people understand it), is the only thing that can save this world. *sm*

Answer 4

You've pretty much summed up the existentialist philosophy; what you've described is called "nausea" by existentialist philosophers.

You can't really flaw a philosophy. My favorite quote, period, comes from Charles F Kettering, who said "It's easy to build a philosophy. It doesn't have to run".

What I can say, is that some atheists certainly view themselves as being brave. But there are more reasons atheists have stated for adopting their worldview than what you've described, so at the least, your outlook can't be said to be all inclusive.

I think your line of reasoning starts from the assumption that atheists started from a position of believing in a reward-based religion such as Christianity, and then subsequently turned away from it. Someone that was born into atheism, or a religion that wasn't reward-oriented, may have completely different reasons for becoming an atheist.

Answer 5

Well, I suppose in some way they are brave to turn from religion, but I also think that many (NOT all) are ignorant - too many people simply assume that God must not exist, without ever looking at the facts or studying religion at all - I know some people who consider themselves atheist and have never read the Bible or any other religious text, and the majority do not even know the basics of any religion at all - they are atheist because they cannot be bothered to put in the effort of study.

Answer 6

I am an Atheíst.but it is not brave to turn away from "salvation" or "sweet offers" since I don`t believe in Gd anyway.It`s a long time since I believed in Gd(I was a little child) and I always saw Jesus as a simple, good human being.

Answer 7

I am a Christian so of course I will be answering from that perspective- when I accepted Christ as my Savior- that did not mean I was placing all the responsibility on Him, and not taking any myself. Actually to accept Christ, you have to take responsibility- and realize you need to change- however without Christ our hearts are deceptive- you noticed I said our hearts- so I am not pointing fingers here. Being saved does not mean we are not responsible for our actions, it means we realize that we need a Savior- I accepted Christ knowing that no matter what I tried to do, I could never be good enough- if you or an atheist believes that it is a crutch, not to be responsible that is your choice.

Answer 8

it's the way I was raised. As a teenager my parents sometimes warned I should not stay out too late. When I asked how late was too late they usually tried to evade the question. Also as a little kid, for as long as I can remember, they never rewarded me for anything I did and they never punished me for anything I did either. They did get mad or proud though, and were by no means hesitant to show either. Just not in terms of consequences. The idea that rewards and punishments are no way to get someone to act morally has always seemed extremely obvious to me. And preaching about heaven and hell has never been anything but that to me, an extremely silly plot to get people to do the right thing without figuring out for themselves that they really should.

Answer 9

I think you have put it beautifully. I am not an atheist but I have a lot of respect for them. So many people are so hateful towards Atheists and the only reason I can think of is that they make good points and people don't want to consider the possibility that they could be right. I try to respect all spiritual paths and always respect those who respect me. I find that this is also true of MOST of the atheists I have encountered.

Answer 10

There is an obvious flaw in that statement. It's not bravery to turn away from something if I don't believe that something even exists.

Answer 11

Why do you think atheists have some exclusivity to taking responsibility for their actions?
I am a religious person and nothing about my faith makes me think anyone other than myself is responsible for the things i say and do.
How is it bravery? Sorry do not agree at all.