TO ALL ATHEISTS: Since you don't believe in God or things associated with him, like sin and eternal punishment

Question

Does this mean that you Atheist don't fear sinning since you don't beleive that there's a eternal punishment of Hell (or Sheol, or whatever)?

So, you don't fear murder, rape, grand theft auto, drug abuse, torturing people since you won't fear any "judgement" or any eternal punishments of any sort?

I know that some of you may fear going into prison (death sentence) if ever you did any of those things I mentioned above.

But putting away all that government court law punishment stuff, are you not afraid of what will happen in the afterlife if ever you were a mass murderer, serial rapist, drug dealer, drunkard (basically, a bad guy)?

Well, since you don't believe in God's existence Which pretty much concludes that you don't believe in God's connections like Angels, Demons, Purgatory, Hell, Heaven, other holy stuff.

OK, OK, THE REASON I'M POSTING THIS QUESTION IS BECAUSE I HAVE A ATHEIST BUDDY AND GOT DRUNK AND I STARTED INTERVIEWING HIM ABOUT ATHEIST STUFF AND HE WAS LIKE:

"WHAT'S TO FEAR??? I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT AND NO ONES GONNA STOP ME! HELL DOESN'T EVEN EXIST! I BET I CAN KICK SOMEONE'S *** FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND I'D BET NO ANGEL OR GOD IS GONNA STOP ME."

And I was like...ok dude, you've drank enough and went home. And posted this.

Sorry for the stereotype people, but geez, after that I kinda thought that you all were like "FEARLESS OF SIN AND HELL" types of people.

And there is this one guy that thinks I'm Margarita. Well, I'm not.

Answer 1

Even without the "fear of punishment", that doesn't mean we would indulge in crime. I mean, if you had 24 hours in which you could do anything you want and you would not get in trouble either here on earth or with God in the afterlife, would you rush out and start killing and raping people? I would hope not. Fear of punishment isn't the only thing that prevents people from doing wrong. People (at least the ones with good parents and decent upbringings) are taught to respect other's rights and feelings. That's the biggest thing that prevents people from doing harm to others - the way they were taught to think, not the fear punishment. Although for people that were not taught respect as children, the fear of punishment would probably be the biggest deterrent for them.

Answer 2

I'm not Atheist, but I don't really believe in the concept of sin per se. That is not to say that I condone or "fear" as you put it, things like murder, rape, etc. Believe it or not, it is possible to lead a very moral existence without religion, or a vehement faith in God.

It's not necessarily that we fear the legal punishement either. You can still have a strong sense of right and wrong without having God lead you in that direction. I'm not afraid of what will happen to me in any afterlife (whatever it may be) because I live my life with care and concern for others, tolerance, and love. Overall I am a good person, so I have no reason to fear any afterlife. If I were a mass murderer, serial rapist, etc. I would not fear the afterlife exactly because I believe that to be your own personal hell. Some of those people do those things because they need help, others because they feel they have no other choice.

You would be correct that if I am not certain of the existence of God that I also question entities like angels, demons, etc. I don't pray to any God, or Jesus, nor do I think that I am damned to an eternal pit of firey dispair for not believing in angels or "other holy stuff".

Answer 3

Every body fears murder, rape, theft etc, even religious people do. That's why we lock our front doors at night. But just because I dont believe in Heaven or Hell doesnt mean that I have to go out hurting other people. What would be my motivation to do those things to other people? I'm too busy getting on with my own life. On the rare occasion that I do feel like hurting someone else, the thought of going to prison stops me. And no, I dont believe in angels, demons, etc, any more than I believe in fairies and elves and Santa. Atheists dont believe in "sinning" because the term "sin" is a Christian word. A person who is not religious does not use the word "sin", we use the word "illegal" instead.

Answer 4

I'm an atheist, and I'm really not that offended by the "under God" portion of the pledge. And you're right: You *shouldn't* be prevented from saying it, just as we shouldn't be *forced* to say it, should our feelings on the subject be appropriately strong. But posting the 10 Commandments in a courthouse is a bit too much. The Establishment Clause of the US Constitution reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." To post such a blatantly Christian list of precepts and injunctions in a place that is nominally blind to religious persuasion just isn't cool. I agree that, in general, the Ten Commandments really aren't a bad place to start if you're looking to lead a moral life. Of course, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" is kind of superfluous in that regard; and, all things considered, it's probably the part of the Ten Commandments that I'd have the biggest problem with if I saw it in a court of law. "Wow...these guys are gonna be out to get me! I don't believe in their God!" It's just needless.

Answer 5

I'm not an atheist but I'm agnostic and do not follow a religion. I'm not even sure if there's a god.

No, I don't fear hell of any sort. Now, things like murder, rape, torture, mental abuse, etc... inflicting any kind of harm on someone else is a terrible thing and should be avoided, absolutely. Most people who do not have religion still believe in not harming others in any way, shape, or form.

I would not fear a judgement after death. My guilt would eat me alive and that would be hell enough. I couldn't live with myself if I did any of those things and that's deterrent enough to keep me from doing those things.

Answer 6

I don't believe in sin thats a religious concept

I have no desire to murder, rape, steal cars, take drugs or torture people - apparently you do and it's just fear thats holding you back

If I did though I would get punished by the authorities in my country and ostracised by my community.

I don't want to do any of the above. I worry about your mental health if you do.

Punishment in the now life is enough don't you think.

Why are there more xians in prison than any other belief?

Answer 7

Here is something funny, ok all the people who think its no God, or think he there and don't need him. Lets see we can clone , we can make our own food, we have smart people everyday doing other things, ok here it is "Man says to God, we can do better than you, if you just stop everything, God says ok create food, man says done, create life, man says done.

God says ok good job, ok make a man from dirt if you don't need my help, man picks up dirt, God says sorry, thats mine"

Without God none of us be here, you can believe or not believe but thats common sense, so you believe in Dinosaurs well I believe in them but why they not lots of bones found, commone sense, there was a flood and only two of each animal got on the ark. Think how long it takes some animals to have babies, I would guess that dinosaurs took 1 to maybe up to 5 years to have a baby or wait but either way you go, either way you think there is a God and always will be a God.

So everyone that don't believe in God say they happy or someone who thinks another God is out there and are happy, well anyone can be happy even for years, but God gives you joy which no matter how bad it becomes is there with you always. All I can do is pray and hope that everyone knows this Jesus died for us all and accept him , you will have enternal life in heaven, there will be no 2nd death for you "hell".

God gave us all free will, and I choose God even though at times I will backslide and not live like I should , I know God knows that I am a human, he loves you all just accept him into your heart and when its your time, your family and friends can party knowing you are in a way better place than here, no matter how good its here, nothing will ever compair to heaven , no matter what anyone says or tells you nothing on earth is better than even, just everyone read the BIBLE ---Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth -----God bless everyone take care.......... GBH

Answer 8

Easy part first: I don't hurt others because I have morals and it would hurt me to cause another pain. Is the only reason you don't rape, burn, and pillage because you fear hell? Silly rabbit...
Second part: Most atheists are kinder, gentler people than christians. I am a vegetarian, all of my jobs in life have been ones that directly help people (working with special needs children and adults, teacher of several subjects, volunteering, etc...). I don't allow my students to kill insects or creatures in my classroom...I prefer the "catch and release" program.
Mosquitoes are the only thing I don't really feel bad about when I smack 'em.
I have friends of many nationalities, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientation, etc...and I judge everyone based on their actions. Do you?

Answer 9

I don't need the fear of hell to keep me in line. I have this thing called a conscience and I'm a pretty strong supporter of the Golden Rule ~ do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.

Do you seriously not rape and pillage just because your religion tells you it's bad? Sounds like it's not the atheists that a mal-adjusted. I'm so glad we've got books like the Bible to prevent you psychopaths from running loose.

Answer 10

Being descent human being has nothing to do with religion. Some of the bloodiest conflicts in history have all been in the name of religion.

Not committing rape and murder has to do with morals. The basic core valued that make us different from animals and last but not least, intelligence.

We don't need God to tell us that hurting someone else is not good. We can figure that out for ourselves when we see the pain it causes others.

Shadyfridge, I'm confused by your answer. If you don't believe in God, why do you believe in sin?