Theistic vs atheistic morality: Isn't atheistic one more tolerant and peaceful?

Question

Here every 3-4 hours some theists question atheists' morality, implying that atheists do not have morals. Very annoying.

I know there are many good religious golden rules. But most religions (esp Christianity and Islam) also include the intolerant moral teaching that "those who believe in other things are wrong". And this justifies murders of pagans/native Americans/etc in the name of God as well as modern atrocities also in the name of God.

On the other hand, atheistic morality came from simple common sense that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. I never heard of atrocities in the name of Nothing.

So, try to be fair. On this aspect, don't you think atheistic morality is more tolerant and peaceful?

Travis, I respect your opinions in many points. But I just have to respond on these facts:
1. Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong might be atheists but those killings in their times were for communism NOT atheism. Communism and atheism are two very different things.
2. Have you been to China? I have. There are many christians over 18 years there. And there are many Christian churches there. No, it is not illegal there.

Travis, I respect your opinions. And I actually gave you thumb-up from the start even tho it is obvious that our beliefs are different. Nope, I am not annoyed at all. Peace!

Answer 1

It depends on the theist. Many Wiccans are very tolerant of the beliefs of others, holding that all religions and philosophies are correct to their adherents and that it is not necessarily our place to judge unless and until those religions and philosophies attempt to interfere with our own practice of our faith. Basically, unless you punch a Wiccan, you are unlikely to be punched BY a Wiccan.

I personally have very high regard for atheists -- after all, I was one myself for many years. I know that religion is not a requirement in order to be moral and ethical.

Answer 2

The predominant number of atheist I have communicated with have been very similar to religious people in their biggotry to other belief systems. One may say that it is true that there have been less evils done in the way of atheism, but that is simply because there are less atheist. Look at the regimes of Stalin and Tung (spelling?) which are number one and two for murdering masses. (both are atheist) Look at China today, where christians have been murdered and put in jail, and where it is illegal for anyone under 18 to be a christian. The truth is any group of people is capable of incredible evil-religious or non religious. I do not argue that many atheist act immorally. By todays standards most atheist are probably no different then christians in ethical conduct. However, I just don't know how well an atheist philosophy can correlate with actual living. An atheist can not avoid the philosophical road block of morality being completely and totally relative. So I think atheist have morals. One of my best men in my wedding was an atheist, however I do not see how they make peace between living moral and any type of philosophy that matches the way they live. I would like to say much more for these questions are much more complicated than what I give them credit for in this response. Anyway hope it doesn't sound like a jumbled mess.


****thanks for responding-often a simple thumbs up or thumbs down doesn't let you know too much what the asker is thinking. However I agree and disagree with what you have said. What I agree with is that things are too complicated to blame a period of history on one thing namely atheism, but don't you think most christians today would say that the horrible acts of some throughout history were not representative of christianity at all, but were simply people pushing an evil agenda disguising it under religious ferver. Not to mention couldn't someone argue that it would be easier for someone to perform the tragedies that Stalin and Zeodung committed because they did not believe there was any higher authority beyond themselves. As far as China goes your comments put me at a cross roads for I have heard tear filled stories of incidents happening within China from missionaries as well as it being the prevailing theme within the last 50 years amongst theologians that have visited or lived in China. For example Watchman Nee (well know Chinese author)who spent decades in prison for his christian teachings. I do know that there is churches in China because the government has allowed for a quota amount. That aside, China is an atheist government, and both parties in our country right now are discussing in debates "human rights issues" with regards to our relationship with China - so the discussion could be took in that route as well. however, I am not saying I don't believe you, I have never been there I am just saying it is something I will have to look into more thoroughly. Anyway thanks for addressing me, and hope I have not annoyed you further by responding back.

Answer 3

generally, yes. much more peaceful.