Can You Name One Moral Action That Can Be Performed By a Christian That Cannot Be Performed By An Atheist?

Question

Prayer is not a good answer since prayer doesn't work. If it did, atheists would also pray.

Our morality does not come from god or belief in god. Man is genetically moral. Our brain has modules in it that give us compassion and caring for others. So do other primate brains. It's a product of evolution because without it, no social animal could possibly have avoided extinction. Man made a semi-moral god in his image because man's nature is semi-moral.

Answer 1

Now try the inverse of that question.

Answer 2

Well, you've stacked the deck, haven't you. The only thing a Christian can do morally that an atheist cannot do is ... everything. Seriously. But since you've stacked the deck against including any theological aspects of morality, you must reject my answer. Fine. The problem is, nothing anyone does is moral if it inherently cheats the Creator of His copyright interest. He made us. If we do something we think is "good," how do we know some great evil will not eventually result? Save a life? Maybe that someone grows up to be a monster. Tell the truth about something? Maybe that "truth" will eventually cause serious harm. Only when God gets the proper credit does an action fit into the cosmic meaning of good for the individual performing it, thus preserving it's "goodness" for all time and eternity. Anything else is just blind guessing, and that hardly rises to the level of "moral."

Answer 3

If you use "moral" in its proper sense, and not confuse it by thinking it means "noble" or "holy", it is easy. To say something is a "moral" act is merely to imply that it is intended to promote "GOOD" (whatever one thinks that is), without evaluating the actual consequences.

So, with that in mind, Christians do have at least one thing that they can do that is a "moral action" (besides prayer) which an athiest cannot do.

They can tell people that they are terrible sinners and doing things that are hateful to the Creator, and mean it.

Other than that, your point is well taken.
It may well be an action that is unpleasant for the person on the receiving end, but it is a moral act.

Answer 4

Well if you want to get technical and all... From a Christian and Jewish perspective:

It is a moral commandment to worship Yahweh and no other gods or goddesses according to the old testament.

According to Jesus there are two moral commandments, Love God and love your neighbor. I'm sure you can do a stellar job of loving your neighbor but can you love a God that doesn't exist to you?

That is from a Christian perspective that is...

Now if you said perhaps morals that are universal then I would say no, I cannot name one. However you were specific.

Hey you asked. ;-)

Answer 5

Actually, prayer does work, it's worked for me. Just because YOU haven't seen it, doesn't mean it's not true. Hey, that could apply to God, too, couldn't it! Isn't that one of those logic arguments you guys say we can't come up with? As for moral actions, morality isn't synonymous with religion, anyone who thinks you can't do something good just because you're not a Christian is a little cracked! I have a couple of friends who are stheists and the reason why I chose to be friends with them is because of what wonderful giving people they are. It has nothing to do with how they spend their Sunday mornings, that's just the kind of people they are.

Answer 6

Even without the existance of deity, Christians are no greater than atheists. I know there are a number who are arrogant and condescending, but they are the ones that just don't get it.

If you say that the essence of faith does not exist, then there's no difference. If there were no God, then the concept of repentance would be utterly worthless.

Answer 7

Just because religion takes credit for all morality, doesnt mean we can't be moral ourselves. I dont need "heaven points". Its honestly more about "trustworthiness"

Answer 8

Good morals aren't mentioned in God's plan of
salvation.

Answer 9

How did you learn that prayer doesn't work? It certainly works for believers. If atheists don't pray it's because they have no God to pray to.

Answer 10

Interesting question. Interesting answers, too.

Not one who can give an example to directly answer your question.

I will answer it ...... people are either moral or they are not. Morality is learned from your parents. It is not bestowed upon one by some heavenly being.

Answer 11

Taking up a holy war.