Atheism vs religion...?

Question

I am studying religion and atheism so would appreciate some imput on some questions.
1.Are atheists more moral than religious people as they try to do the right thing without fearing the wrath of God but for their own conscience, whereas religious people only do the right thing because they fear hell.
2.There are so many ways to interpret the bible, koran etc. Do people abuse their chosen religion for their own gain?

Answer 1

Here is a link to an excellent speech on the subject that you may find useful. Sam Harris argues against the very use of the word 'Atheist' - a good point, because after all, there is no collective noun for people who do not beleive if fairies, no name for people opposed to oppression and untruth!

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/sam_harris/2007/10/the_problem_with_atheism.html

Answer 2

1. No. The term 'religious people' is too broad, we all have different codes to follow, and Christians don't call themselves 'religious' anyway as our faith is in a living person, Jesus, not in following laws and rituals (except maybe Catholics!) Morals are absolute, no true Christian does good out of fear, some choose not to do good at all, but the teaching in the Bible is that we should want to be better people through our love of Jesus, our gratitude for his gift of salvation, and out of loving obedience, never ever out of fear. Christians are saved by what Jesus did on the cross and good works are not part of our 'ticket to heaven' they are a response to the father's love.

2. There will be a rogue element in every 'system', people who bend the agreed rules to suit themselves. This is actually evidence of the Biblical doctrine regarding the sinful nature of man. Christians are still free to choose to do wrong, just like anyone else. The Bible is interpreted from the original documents and scriptures, which is an immense library. Some versions think it's enough to just convey the general meaning in a verse, others interpret literally, and still others translate into words that each culture will understand without losing any of the meaning that God intended when he inspired the scriptures. In general though the message of the Bible will not be changed.

If you are interested in a deeper Christian reading on these topics I recommend C.S Lewis's 'Mere Christianity' and Lee Strobels ' The Case for Christ/The Bible/ the Real Jesus' or check out www.leestrobel.com

Answer 3

To say that atheists do the right thing because they want to and that religious people do it only because they fear hell is a sweeping generalisation. Yes, Christians fear hell (not sure what the parallel is in other religions) but that doesn't mean they don't also do the right thing because they want to. Most religious people I've met are very good and kind people - because that's how they've been brought up, not because they are forced to behave like that.

Yes I do think certain people abuse their chosen religion. The most obvious example is all those TV evangelists in america. Going on TV telling people that God wants them to donate lots of money, when they're not really sure what (or whom) they're donating it to. There are also those who choose to interpret their religious code in a way which supports their own neuroses and prejudices, such as those who are disgusted by homosexuality and use religion as an excuse to persecute them.

Answer 4

Morality is a touchy subject. You should look into the difference between absolute morality and relative morality.

While absolute morality is suppose to be coming from something absolute (like God or something) and relative morality is something that people create for themselves (something atheists are suppose to be comfortable with), I have often found that both Religious people and Atheists don't stick to one or the other.

A lot of Atheists I know believe there are absolute morals (e.g. killing is bad, period) while some religious people I know bend the absolutes (capitol punishment as being okay).

It differs person to person.

As for abusing their religion, yes, it happens A LOT. As long as there's greed in people, they can lie about a lot of things.

Oh, a very important note: education is important. In many religions, they keep secrets or stay with an old language. This means a lot of people in that religion don't really know what it's about.

Imagine the old Catholic Church keeping everything in Latin. Is it a surprise then, that many people calling themselves Christian, did not read Jesus' words to love one another and set of on a killing crusade?

Answer 5

What do you mean atheism v religion?
Atheism *is* a religion.
Atheists are not more moral people. Atheists believe we have evolved from pond slime, and therefore have no logical basis to be moral. Morality has no evoltionary meaning.
Hitler demonstrated atheist/evolutionary morality - he was simply acting out survival of the fittest.
Any atheist who thinks that any particular behaviour is 'good' or 'bad' is being logically inconsistent.

Christians believe that there are moral absolutes - defined by a loving Creator God.

Check this link for loads of articles on the subject.
http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3025/



From a debate between two evolutionists. Lanier is a computer scientist; Dawkins is a professor at Oxford and an ardent atheist.

Jaron Lanier: ‘There’s a large group of people who simply are uncomfortable with accepting evolution because it leads to what they perceive as a moral vacuum, in which their best impulses have no basis in nature.’

Richard Dawkins: ‘All I can say is, That’s just tough. We have to face up to the truth.’

Answer 6

1. Who predominantly occupy prison cells? Atheists or those with a faith? Not all Christians believe in a fiery Hell, in fact the Bible does not teach it. Atheists may say: "I don't hurt anyone", but according to the Bible, much more is required.

Luke 6:32-35 "And if you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you? For even the sinners love those loving them. And if you do good to those doing good to you, really of what credit is it to you? Even the sinners do the same. Also, if you lend [without interest] to those from whom you hope to receive, of what credit is it to you? Even sinners lend [without interest] to sinners that they may get back as much. To the contrary, continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked."

2. There are possibly 6,000 handwritten copies containing all or part of the Hebrew Scriptures; the oldest dates back to the third century B.C.E. Of the Christian Greek Scriptures, there are some 5,000 in Greek, the oldest dating back to the beginning of the second century C.E. There are also many copies of early translations into other languages.

It is true that some translations of the Bible adhere more closely to what is in the original languages than others do. Modern paraphrase Bibles have taken liberties that at times alter the original meaning. Some translators have allowed personal beliefs to color their renderings. But these weaknesses can be identified by comparison of a variety of translations.

Answer 7

I am an agnostic, which means, as I'm sure you know, I don't have faith! I think religion has caused so many conflicts in the world and wars etc!It would be a great thing if people just got along with each other and put aside these outdated beliefs!

I agree, totally with your second point, and that you have hit the nail on the head! I think a lot of religion is mixed up with political views!

Answer 8

Atheism IS a religion So your question falls at the first hurdle.

Answer 9

If there were no Theists before religion, making everyone Atheists.

Then an atheist invented it.

Answer 10

Well, since they like to assume the opposite I am going to agree with you. Most Christians ask why atheists aren't runny wild raping and pillaging. It is a pretty weak argument in my book.