Atheist and theist, how do you demonstrate to others that you are a good and wise person?

Question

Often times, I think that people go about it all wrong. An atheist will say that he is logical and has the ability to think freely. Yet he will demean people of faith. This is not a good way to represent atheism.

A theist on the other hand will say that he is righteous and quote scriptures. Then on the other hand, will condemn anyone who doesn't believe and turn a deaf ear to anyone who may have questions about their religion. This too is not a good way to represent theism.

So how do you demonstrate to others that atheist and/or theist are decent people? How do you respectfully answer their questions about atheism and theism?

"Oh for goodness sake another bloody person whose head has been mucked about in the name of religion. Get on with your life worship your own God and don't get involved in all the crap you are talking about."
Interesting. Hmm yeah, are you British. Do all British people have such a poor attitude or are you the exception to the rule?

I asked this question, becuase some atheist Q&A have a lot to be desired. I am certain that atheist think that some theist Q&A have a lot to be desired as well.

Answer 1

Hello! First and foremost I am an atheist: I believe that there is no God, until proven otherwise.

In my experiences , the people I have come accross mostly fall into or are a mix between these 4 categories:

A true theist or religious fundamentalist would have unshakable faith, as a result, he would have to learn acceptance and respect for other people's beliefs and religion. These theists must also learn to not be easily provoked or intimidated.

The common theist or the dabbler, is in all aspects is the norm of society. Whether he is decent or not, largely depends on his personality.

The common atheist would be the complacent, stubborn and an arrogant snob who thinks that his order of thinking works on a higher level to the ignorant masses. This atheist believes that he is absolutely sure of everything and is a poor representation of the community. This atheist must first learn to be humble.He must also learn not to be easily provoked or intimidated.

A true atheist will know that he knows nothing, and has hence no reason to be arrogant. Yet there are some things he would be absolutely sure of. What he needs to do is to learn to be respectful at all times, as commonly many people would beg to differ from his opinions. By now this atheist would have to learn to agree to disagree.

Answer 2

Through my character. The Christians have a phrase, "You shall know them by their fruit", that's appropriate. The only way to show you are a good person is through how consistently you present yourself to others. If you are an honest person, people will eventually notice that. However, a lie could damage years of being honest, depending on the magnitude of the lie.

In this forum, we discuss differences in views on religion and spirituality. And, yes, I do bash some people's ideas, when they deserve bashing. That's different than not respecting a person's right to have an opinion, and it is different than not respecting a person.

Religions have long had this artificial barrier around them against any serious critique. It probably started way back when people could get tortured and killed for such critique. I would like to think we live in a world today where we can give our opinions about other people's beliefs openly, with no fear of such retribution. Beliefs should be bashed. If an idea can't hold up under scrutiny, it probably isn't a good idea.

Answer 3

My sister is a Christian, she has a good friend that is an athiest. Her friend is a moral, honest, giving, loving, person. So is my sister by the way. Obviously neither of them are judgemental and they both live in what society would call a Christian manner but only one of them is Christian. As with every thing else in life I think it all depends on the person you're talking to. There are many self righteous people in this world of all religions and beliefs who will not accept that there are other ways of living. I think you answered your own question really: You just be respectful of others when answering their questions, demonstrate your points by living your life in a decent, caring, non-judgemental way. You never know who you may affect by your actions and words, but you will affect some.

Answer 4

DesiDan,
It is NOT necessary to Demonstrate that YOU are a "good person". That is for others to decide. I believe that we must do our best to allow others to make their choices and NEVER condemn them for those choices. If we see a friend, relative, brother in a fault and want to assist them then go to them privately. NEVER attempt to change their views on religion without their asking. NEVER take such fault to others. NEVER put others down in an attaempt to make yourself a BIGGER or better person... that is not the way that you would want to be treated and that is NOT the way to treat others. I treat or attempt to treat others as if they are my family and let them choose how they want the relationship to go from there. I was not raised as a Christian but my wife and I became Christians about twenty years ago. We do not see the constant bickering where we live. We do see a few people who attack others but we try to assist them in their individual "walk". Have a wonderful week!
Thank You,
Eds



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Answer 5

well i've had my head bitten off a number of times for being an atheist but at the end of the day their will be no inquisition so i just endure it like the Buddha did. though i usually try to open a line of conversation if the person is civil anyway, i'm friends with many religious people so it's possible for us all to live in peace i think the people that get all uppity about it are the people that need religion and faith to define their lives so they get all upset with it's threatened. when that happens it's best to just walk away.

Answer 6

Fortunately, I have lost the feeling that I have to make everyone think I"m a good person, or that I'm wise. My actions will eventually show that to those who care to observe. It was a great relief to find that I could just be myself, and not worry about going to hell, or allowing myself to be invaded by demons because my belief wasn't strong enough.
I will gladly listen to other's ideas and opinions. My parents are both pastors, and there are others in my family with beliefs I consider to be a bit odd. But we are able to co-exist, and even have long, calm discussions on religion, or lack thereof. I'm quite blessed in this area!
May All That Is Bless You!

Answer 7

My life is an example. Every where I go, I am told how nice I am. I really care about people and when you really care it shows and people respond.Simple. I ignore the cruelty of the Xians thrown my way. I'm an exfundie and when I left the fold they turned against me. I have never experienced such hate in my life. Enemies have loved me more. Christianity used to not be this way. I am not a hate filled person and I am so glad I got out when I did. Not bashing, speaking my experience. I don't hate Xians, I just have nothing in common with them. I love people regardless of their choices in life.

Answer 8

No matter what your creed or belief structure there is only one thing I have found to be true. Actions speak louder than words. So let their actions be the decider of how good a person they are and make your own mind up whether it was a good decision or not. Just because people talk the talk doesn't necessarily mean they walk the walk.

Answer 9

It's simeple really. I spent a couple years studying religion. Not just Christianity, but every religion I could get information on. Also I don't tell any body that they are wrong, or a bad person for believing or not believing in a religion.

Answer 10

I don't believe in god but think that "the answers" are beyond our potenciall knowledge so I choose not to think about it at all.If I'm speaking to theist I make effort not to say anything which could offend his faith or him for following it.I usually just outspeak that I reject to believe in both religious and science (sun fell apart into 10 pieces and there goes the solar system for ya) theory cause I can't know are they thrue for sure and they honestly don't seem eligible to me so far as I know them (and I'm not interested to find out more,thx).If I'm speaking to atheist I'm free to add how silly some parts of religion seem to me and make fun of them if I'm in the mood for it...Well actually I don't reckon I'm good or wise,I just think it's all up to person itself - whoever they are and watever they want to believe in,it's their choice and I have no reason to invade there.