Do atheists have a moral obligation to persuade or convert religious believers?

Question

Or to help children who are being indoctrinated?

Or to speak out against religion generally?

Loveblue, I said absolutely nothing about raising children to believe there is no god, so I don't see how my feelings on the matter could be obvious.

Children should be raised to think rationally and logically, so they can make up their own minds. This is exactly what the vast majority of Christian parents refuse to do.

Answer 1

Only if religion infringes on the liberty of others. If somebody is just minding their own business, I could care less what they believe. They have the freedom to believe what they want to believe.

However, if their beliefs prevent OTHERS from practicing their freedom of religion (like someone being forced to go to church), then yes our moral obligation is to aid those whose freedom is being infringed upon.

The case with children is a bit more complex. I would say that if the child is competent (old enough to make rational decisions), and that child believes his/her rights to freedom of religion are being violated, then it is our moral obligation to help that child.

Also, since every major religion promotes lies, it is also our moral obligation to speak out against them. It would be unethical to let lies go uncriticized.

Answer 2

We all, whether we're atheists or follow a religion or whatever, have an obligation to respect the beliefs of others. We don't have to agree with the belief (or non-belief, as it may be), we just need to respect another persons viewpoints.

I find it interesting that you feel that children who receive religious teaching are being 'indoctrinated', but, you obviously don't feel a child who is taught that God doesn't exist wouldn't fall into that category.

I'm a Christian, but, I don't push my beliefs on anyone. I just don't feel that's my place or even my business to do that. And, I have no more of a desire to be 'converted' into becoming an atheist than an atheist does in becoming a religious believer.

I find it interesting that so many on Answers aren't just content to believe what they believe - they seem to have this need to make as many other people as possible believe what they believe. The great majority of people can make up their own minds about what they believe - we don't need any help in doing that.

Answer 3

Absolutely not- I am glad that there are many different belief systems out there and I believe that there is some good in most religions. I have encouraged my daughter to study many different belief systems so that she may choose the path best for her. I would never try to convert anyone to my way of thinking. I only ask for the same consideration in return.

Answer 4

I cannot speak for all atheists. Personally, I do not feel any moral obligation to persuade or deconvert religious believers.

They can believe as they like, as long as they do not try to enforce their beliefs on me either personally or through legislation.

I also feel I have a moral obligation to answer questions when they are asked of me.

Answer 5

using fact society has rules, effects, and checks. have confidence me i've got considered what happens while regulation and order pass out the door. i'm from New Orleans. Atheists w/o the prospect of punishment tutor their genuine colours. they have no longer something yet anger and hate of their hearts. while human beings have been dying interior the streets in New Orleans have been the atheists obtainable attempting to help? No, it substitute into religious charities!! while human beings have been caught interior the Superdome residing in crap substitute into it the Atheists "morality" that helped those human beings? No, returned religious charity. Do Atheists even provide to the undesirable? No, returned religious charities. choose for yet another occasion, I as quickly as study a piece of writing a pair of city in united statesa. that stated they have been giving up faith completely. that all and sundry religions of their city might could pass. They reported that they could be an occasion to the international. In a 2 365 days era homicide tripled, rape doubled, and violent crime quadrupled. theft and theft likewise rose to epic proportions. Yeah, they have been an occasion to the international ok. maximum of your non-religious international locations have not got large populations.

Answer 6

None of the above, as far as I'm concerned. Atheism is a personal choice and a personal decision. I'm not here to convert anyone. As an American, however, I do feel called to speak my mind about the slow movement towards theocratic government in this country. It's "for, by, and of the people", not "government only for, by, and of Christians".

Answer 7

Some feel that they do, some don't. Some dislike religion, some don't care, some think religion is a good thing mostly.

It's absolutely impossible to paint all atheists with the same brush.

Answer 8

I believe we do.

And if you think about it, it's a win win situation.

The bible tells Christians that we will convert most of the world. So If there bible is right then we helped fulfill their prophecy.

If not then we saved the future from Christians burning or torturing any more innocent pagans

Answer 9

No - we do not have a moral obligation to do anything but accept each other for our individuality....and to teach our own children that a persons heart is more important than where they spend sunday morning...

Answer 10

Yes - the informed have a moral obligation to enlighten the ignorant.