Atheists, what DO you believe in? Seriously, what value system or belief system molds your thinking/life?

Question

BTW: I have two atheist brothers who I idolize as fine individuals and fine citizens; I am not being disrespectful.

Answer 1

I believe we can lead moral lives if we are thoughtful people who think about and learn from consequences of our acts. I don't have to go to church to know I wouldn't like to live life as a prostitute addicted to crack. I know that to live in a society, have friends, relationships, etc. I have to be willing to treat others as I myself would like to be treated. There are negative consequences when you do not. I think all humans have the capacity to have ethics and live them without a religion to tell them how to behave. That said I do differ with some religious systems in what I define as acceptable or moral behavior. I think birth control is a positive thing as human sexuality is natural and positive for adults but we can only raise so many children well. We should only bring children into the world when we are really ready and wanting to accept the responsibility. I also don't see homosexuals as an abomination. I don't see how they harm me or my right to be heterosexual. I believe I need to afford them the same human rights as the rest of us if I want human rights to really mean something and not just be a matter of who has the most power and numbers has the rights.
My life is influenced by the thinking found in many religious texts as well as in philosophy. Just because I'm not a believer doesn't mean I don't appreciate some or many of the ideas found within them. I just think they are human ideas not divine ones and as such we can continually evalutate their practicality, relevance, and usefulness in our lives. That is how we moved away from slavery and allowed greater rights for women which are positive steps forward for humanity in my book. My personal life is heavily influenced by some Buddhist and other eastern philosophies in that I do seek to live by the basic 5 precepts and the "middle way." I would not call myself a Buddhist though. Thanks for asking in a nice way.

Answer 2

It's fairly simple, I have no belief system. That doesn't mean that I kick puppies or rip off people I do business with, the puppy doesn't deserve it and I wouldn't risk a long term benefit for a once off gain.
Really it's just common sense, I'm nice to those that deserve it and those who haven't proven otherwise.

Answer 3

My ethics are probably best described as "Rule Utilitarianism." Essentially, it's a combination of Kant's categorical imperative with utilitarian moral theory.

As far as belief systems go, my epistemology is closest to Bayesianism, and my view of science is closest to structural realism.

I don't really feel like explaining what all those things mean, so I'm going to give you links to look them up. I don't believe in any of those theories completely (I use modified versions of them) but explaining what I believe starting from scratch would take 30 pages.

Answer 4

hey fruity..

read romans 2:13,14,15

also do a study on how many times in the OT god called someone to account for something that had not yet been given in the law

then consider all the other religions and philosophies that have come to the same baseline for morality.

from a religious point of view, god has written the law on people hearts - or- it came as part of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil... from an atheist point of view, it is basic human nature to know that "right" is to treat others as you want to be treated, or as you would want a friend treated.

i don't understand why theists generally believe atheists to be amoral...

edit: feel the love!

Answer 5

"what DO you believe in? "
Where does it say I have to 'believe in' anything?
I cruise through my life usually doing the right thing cos not doing so creates waves I'm too lazy to deal with.

"what value system or belief system molds your thinking/life? "
My atheist parents who were brought up by atheist parents did the best they could by obeying most of society's laws to the best of their ability ... except for my mother who broke the law the Nazis had imposed on Holland and helped Jewish kids outa harm's way; she went to concentration camp for it ... and obviously survived.

ANYONE who obeys laws under the threat of going to hell if they don't is a coward in my book.
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Answer 6

I don't "believe in" anything, I'm an nihilist. All value systems need to be questioned and looked objectively.

Answer 7

My values were molded by life experience, parents, siblings, friends, community, teachers, etc. Had I been born in a poor village in Pakistan, I'm fairly certain my values would be a little different. Same as everyone else here.

Answer 8

I believe in living the best life I possibly can. I am attempting to accomplish this with the intentional over use of alcohol and common sense...oh and a fabulous sense of humour.
Peace to you.

Answer 9

My wife and my children first. They must have their needs met. The kids, not so much anymore. They are adults but come to me for advice. Other than that, I treat others the same way I wish to be treated. Doesn't sound like much and wouldn't fill up a bible, but it covers a lot of ground. Works for me.

Answer 10

That whatever bugs me will probabably bug other people, too. And what makes me happy probably makes others happy, too. And if I'm not sure, I should ask them.

Empathy is pretty much my value system, and it works exceedingly well.

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