Christians: do you consider yourself morally superior to atheists?

Question

What if you both act in the exact same way, but one believes in a higher power and the other doesn't? Does still that make you morally or spiritually superior because you believe in a higher power? Or do you not think in those terms?

I know everyone is different, that's why I'm asking this individually instead of making an assumption about all Christians.

Not of this World: please tell me you're a troll and you don't actually think that. Some of the best people I know are atheists. I wish I could display a fraction of the goodness they do.

Answer 1

Well given that Atheists have no reason to believe in morality, yes!

I mean when your whole religion is about being the one who survives and when your fellow atheists do things like ethnic cleansing, betrayal, and any thing else low and underhanded just to get an edge for the moment, what do you have left in the way of morality?

After all, when the cold icy fingers of death are keeping you from breathing, you can also say that all of life is like building a sandcastle against the incoming tide of time. From meaninglessness an atheist comes and back into meaninglessness you will go. There will be no memory of you so what difference does it matter what you do or how many times you change your mind about what is right for you at this time.

Morality would require a point higher than ones opinion. If one only has his own opinion as the point of reference and you change your mind, that what is moral today can be amoral tomorrow. So understand, because you call something moral doesn't mean you won't disagree with yourself tomorrow. Therefore, since you can and will disagree with your own views of morality, superiority is a given as my understanding of morality comes from a fixed point.

Answer 2

First off, thank you very much for not grouping us all together. While i am Christian i have met a few that i can admit, make us all look bad. And i'm wondering where exactly they are getting their hateful, judgmental and bigoted ideas, as their personal views as a whole are not substantiated by the Bible.

Peronally, i do not think that i am morally superior to anyone.
The concept of good morals and character is not isolated to only the religious; just as indecent and depraved morals aren't isolated only to the atheistic. There are 'good' and 'bad' people everywhere regardless of their thoughts on God. Evidence of this is Athiests that are humanitarians, and Pastors that are perverts. LOL And the last time i checked, the prisons were filled wall to wall with people of all faiths. So i would say, that the inbuilt concepts of right and wrong < the essentials of good morals> highly depend on the individuals personal convictions, not necessarily their religious opinions or beliefs; Although the percentage rate for integrity [and good morals] is slighly higher among the religious, there still is that variable percent.
But me? Personally, as i said, i do not consider myself better than anyone, and i do not think that i have a better morals than the next person. I really think it depends on the individual.
Hope that Helps.
♥

** i addressed the 'moral' question, not the 'spiritual' one. If someone does not believe in God < or in any religion> i do not think they could qualify as 'spiritual.' To be a 'spiritual' person, you have to identify yourself with a high power, regardless of what you call it.

Answer 3

No, not at all. Just because I am Christian doesn't suddenly make me the greatest good that ever walked the planet. I think that there every person has a different set of morals. So what is amoral to me, may be fine to someone else. For Christians morality should (and I say should because sadly this is often the case) not be about superiority nor should religion. Christians should be moral because it is good, and right, and because we love God. Any other reason and we are breaking our own moral code.

Answer 4

I personally don't ever really think about being superior than others, that's being judgmental and self-righteous. I just live my life according to how I see fit, because it works for me and it makes me a happy person.

If an Atheist and I behaved in the same manners, of course I would NOT be more morally superior than them, just because they don't believe in God. Morals and Religion are two different things, one can have excellent morals and not be religious at all.

Answer 5

No, I would not say I consider myself to be morally superior. I don't really think in those terms..to do so is to judge & not respect others personal opinions & beliefs.If I had to describe myself..I would probably say it would be more along the lines of being "more informed" perhaps? People make decisions daily based on little or no information. Usually people tend to put more thought & conviction into more serious topics though such as their views on christianity or atheism. But..sometimes not. We don't really know how & why everyone comes to the decisions they do about their personal beliefs. Best thing to do is just worry about yourself & be firm in your own beliefs & know why you have them. I do know however that there is always room for debate...as with anything. Believing in something or not believing in something says more about your person & how your views affect you & your daily life. It's not about being morally superior or better than anyone else. Respect others for their individuality & opinions & they will respect you.

Answer 6

No. I am a sinner and fall short of perfection every day. All men sin.

Looking at sin only in a behavioral sense provides a stipulated understanding of the concept. Sin is not just a matter of behavior....it is also a matter of intent. I sin even if I think in a selfish manner....whether or not I act on my thoughts. Also, some behavior (sexual intercourse) is a sin in some circumstances and not in others.

I do not think of being morally superior to anyone. I am morally inferior to God.

By the way, the Bible says I am supposed to think of others as better than myself. I should not in any way think of myself as "better" by being a Christian. I should be thankful but not prideful.

Answer 7

I was raised Catholic, but I don't practice. But I do live in the buckle of the bible belt! From my experience, most fundamentalist christians feel as if they are superior not only to atheists, but to every other religion, to every other belief, ever to exist in the world, its their nature, whether right or wrong. They will not accept or consider others differences, same goes for any radical ideology be it christian, muslim or jewish.

Personally, I believe that some people use religion as a crutch, they need something to hold them up, as they have no self-esteem. Plus, being part of a group that is perceived as powerful and superior is very enticing and comforting to some.

Lastly, if you don't have faith and respect in your fellow man, how can you have faith and respect in God?

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I strive to obey what I believe the Bible teaches but I do not doubt that there are some non-Christians (perhaps not atheists but Jews, Hindus, etc.) who may be - in some ways - much more loving, kind, charitable, altruistic than I am.

But Christians are sinners saved by grace. A person who is not a Christian but performs good works (i.e. has high morals, lives a decent life, etc.) is a good person bound for hell.

A Christian who has all kinds of bad attitudes or bad habits is bound for heaven but would be labelled a baby and not mature in the faith. Maturity brings true morality.

It is the mark of a Christian to grow in grace.... it is a lifelong process.

"Morally superior"?? I don't know. I don't think in those terms at all.

god bless

Answer 9

morally superior to atheists? Of course, sense morals are based on beliefs. I believe the very reason of our being is to follow the way of Gods teaching to achieve superior spirituality. To think any other way is for me to be hypocritical. I am not saying atheists or any one else is wrong in other eyes... Just mine.

Answer 10

i don't think i'm superior to anyone in any way....especially religiously. it's all about being open minded about all the different religions in this world including atheists. everyone has their own opinion about everything including there being a higher power....just because someone doesn't believe in God or Jesus or any other god or higher power doesn't make them a bad person...not even close. it just simply means that they don't believe in a high power, it's as simple as that. i accept everyone for who they are as a person and the good they do in this world....christian or not.

Answer 11

This Christian speaking souly for himself: I don’t think having high moral standards in and of itself makes anyone superior to another human being. Others may mistakenly judge you to be superior. But isn’t life grand, that just as you start believing it, you stub your toe and fall on your face. Just look at all the known people that have had a following for being “morally superior” that have fallen by the wayside.