As a recently converted atheist, I harbor no ill will to those who believe that Christ existed and is their savior, however I am chagrined by those "Christians" who feel saved because they know Christ but seem not to follow the teachings or live by the morals or even really know the history of Christianity or the stories of the Bible.
I would rather follow the teachings of Aesop's fables than believe that the stories are literally true. The same with Jesus. Atheists need not necessarily disagree with the Bible's expounded morality, they simply do not believe the facts of the cute stories (known as parables, fables, myths, legends, or tall tales). I can believe in moral correctness without believing in the medium by which the moral is sent.
You might argue that without an authority like God to enforce morality, what will keep people in line? On Earth, we enforce morality on each other. Therefore the authority of God is an extra measure of control to reach those who fear death.
2007-08-31 21:58:06 · 16 answers · asked by http://www.wrightlawnv.com 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus was said to have taught with parables which were not meant to be literally true. Is it a far stretch to consider that Jesus himself was a character in a longer parable?
2007-08-31 21:58:20 · update #1
I was not speaking for all Atheists. I know many Atheists reject the moral correctness of the Bible. I reject some of it. My argument is more aimed at what I perceive is a knee-jerk reaction among Christians who seem to think "Atheist" and "Anti-christ" are synonyms, or that all atheists reject the morality they believe in--this simply is not true.
Quoting from a Bible that atheists do not believe in "only fools do not believe in God" is a futile and foolish tactic. Obviously you cannot convince an Atheist of the truth of the Bible by pointing to words within it. Some atheists know the Bible better than you Christians and could run circles around you.
2007-08-31 22:16:13 · update #2
Matt D: While I understand that people 70 years after his alleged death wrote that Jesus said a lot of interesting things about how to get into heaven, the main concepts I like about the Jesus fable deals with his view of hypocrisy. So many of his parables were about this one issue and I think that if he did and exist and did die, it was because of his views on hypocrisy.
Personally I find more hypocrisy among religious people than among non-religious people. I see religious people constantly ignoring the planks in their own eyes while seeking out the sliver in others' eyes. I see guilty religious people casting the first stone quite often as well.
The stuff you mentioned that Jesus was supposed to have said, I think that was influential writing designed to create yet another church and religion to control more people. I think that Jesus, if he exists, is appalled by the hypocrisy stamped with his name.
2007-08-31 23:14:07 · update #3
You make some good points and you've offered a very nicely worded question.
The one thing I notice is that all non-believers refer to this big group called Christians. As if all Christians believe and feel the same way. We don't. As a Christian gay man, I'm told all the time that I can't even BE a Christian! ; )
I understand clearly that you are not rejecting the morals of Christ, but rather the entire story. That's your right. And I agree that one can still be quite moral and not be religious.
I also agree that not all the stories in the Bible may be literal and that some facts in there do not make sense. But be that as it may, it does not change the fact that I've experienced God in my own life and been lucky enough to feel His love and blessings. That may not be helpful or useful or important or valid to you, but it is to me. It makes me a better person and it makes my life better. So, I'm going to stick with it until or unless I see something better...which I've not seen yet.
Peace to you on your journey.
2007-08-31 22:12:08 · answer #1 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since when did you speak for all atheists? I'm an atheist and, for reasons completely separate from my not believing in the existence of deity (which is ALL the word "atheism" means), DO reject the teachings in the Gospels.
Gouging out your eyes if you get turned on my a woman? Giving away your possessions? Irrational pacifism? "Love your enemies"? Have you even READ this book? If you want to live by it, fine, but I find it incredibly self-defeating and absurd.
Regardless, as I'm sure you'll find out soon enough, the Christians you're addressing this to couldn't care less if you think Jesus was a "good teacher" or what not. That's not good enough for them.
2007-09-01 05:04:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
We enforce morality in each other? Read a newspaper lately? Evidently we aren't doing a very good job. Could part of the reason we're not doing a very good job be because so many reject God? I think so. I often hear atheists say that atheist-ism is not a religion. It appears that it isn't a kind of "faith" either. Atheist's appear to have faith in nothing. It's easy to be an Atheist. You have to believe in nothing. You have to do nothing. You have to respect no deity. Brain power isn't even necessary. It's easy. I guess Atheist's have something in common with mice. Mice don't believe in God either. So, you converted from what? Why? You're better off because............ . Have you decided to believe in nothing, believe in no one for salvation, because by trusting, believing in God puts you way out there on a limb? The first example you sight -parables, is correct. The rest is just your take. Could these not be miracles? Do these not show the power of God? What's impossible for man, is possible for God. I don't know what stories you are referring to, but they got their attention, they worked. I feel sorry for you if you think something like Aesop's fables will save you. I guess that you feel that Jesus went through torture and died for nothing. He did it to save us from damnation and this is the respect you show?
2007-09-01 05:30:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Morality taught from the bible is based on fear, or divine retribution. Hell, the morality of the bible is unacceptable in today's world. Morality is a dynamic social construct. As time goes by, society's view of morality "evolves". I do not think there are many Christians out there that think slavery is ok, or that women should be obedient, or that we should kill disrespectful teenagers. Or at least, I hope not.
2007-09-01 05:10:18 · answer #4 · answered by Thor 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Probably you need to do a review of just what did Jesus teach?
He taught that we need to have faith in him. Do atheists believe that moral?
Take up our cross with him? Do atheists believe that moral?
Jesus was the bread of life, light to the world and beliving in him we shall not perish but have eternal life. So atheists believe that moral?
Jesus taught that only he can forgive sins. Do atheists seek his forgiveness?
Jesus taught that in his name God would do miracles. ???
Youre trying to boil down the Gospel to "dont steal and be nice" which sure atheists agree with. How about the rest of the 99% of what Jesus taught?
2007-09-01 05:31:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think they have no morals thats the point. Atheist group christians as one, and christians group atheist as one, why dont people just judge each individual on their own.
2007-09-01 05:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by Ally... 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Morality is above religion...
It comes from empathy. Empathy is a hardwired aspect of our brains.
They're called Mirror Neurons people!
They exist in Humans and in other primates.
2007-09-01 05:03:42 · answer #7 · answered by RED MIST! 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I believe some of you act better than us in more ways than you might think, we have to give an account no matter what we 'say' we believe. Your beliefs are your right. SOMEHOW you don't sound like an athiest.
2007-09-01 05:15:31 · answer #8 · answered by hamoh10 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A wise man says to the entire world "THERE IS NO GOD" The fool only says it in his heart.
Turn the other cheek is morality? Sorry, it's amoral not to defend your family, Cursing fig trees? what superstitious drivel.
I haven't seen enough evidence to prove the historicity of Jesus let alone follow any morals attributed to him.
2007-09-01 05:03:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Dal momento che molta della terminologia che trovo nelle frasi di contesto spirituale sono frutto di pensieri a senso unico e quindi non tengono in considerazione altri di aspetti , da parte mia non riconosco niente di tutto quanto dici , non riconosco il significato della parola -credente- -ateo- etc.
Speculazioni su speculazioni e....ti metti '' L'ANIMA '' in "" PACE''.
Stranamente....mi si viene affibbiata la bollatura di '' ateo'',pur essendo estraneo a tutto e, dicendo che sono estraneo a tutto devo ringraziare di non essere vissuto nel Medioevo.
2007-09-01 05:52:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋