A Challenge for anti-atheists

[funkyhomedawg]

Sorry this is so long, but I just kept typing. I think any person, religious or not could benefit a lot from post if you take the time to read it. I don't usually stick up for my atheist beliefs but let me try and clear up a few myths about atheism.

Just because you are an atheist, it does not mean you are an evil person. According to Christians, blasphemy is worst sin you can commit, but just because you believe that there is no god (or gods for that matter) does not mean that you are incapable of being good.

Plenty of atheists are good, peaceful people. They don't do acts of good because there is someone watching their every move and they're required to do good if they want to live eternally with god, but simply because they want to do good. Isn't being good just for the sake of being good a greater good than a mandatory good that one must be if one wants eternal salvation? (that's a lot of goods lol)

Almost every religion has one thing in common and that is that man is inherently evil. We always want to be selfish and are incapable unless the grace of god is bestowed upon us. In order to fight these evil acts, we must do the opposite and reverse the evil in this world. Most atheists will agree that people are inherently selfish and unethical. Even though we don't believe in God, we do agree that it is not right when people commit unethical acts on other humans and that we strive to live an ordinary, ethical lifestyle.

To finish this argument out, I'm going to challenge the theists with a thought: Why is stealing wrong? Most religious people would argue, "God tells us it is" But if God did not tell us to steal is wrong, would it still be wrong?

In other words, is stealing wrong because God says so, OR does God say stealing is wrong because it is. Almost all countries, religious or not, have a law against stealing. I think we would all agree that it is wrong.

SO, if stealing is inherently unethical, wouldn't a person who does not believe in God still be able to live an ethical life and decide that they do not want to steal because they would not like if someone else would steal from them.

WOW that was a lot longer than I planned.... haha

[Willamena]

You caracturize religious folk.

Also, why do you expect atheists to take the side of "God" in an argument?

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by funkyhomedawg

Plenty of atheists are good, peaceful people.

OK Therefore?

[Odion]

I agree with Willamena.

Almost every religion has one thing in common and that is that man is inherently evil.

Hinduism and Sikhism hold that man is God/a part of God (depending on the view).

[Arkholt]

Originally Posted by funkyhomedawg

Just because you are an atheist, it does not mean you are an evil person. According to Christians, blasphemy is worst sin you can commit, but just because you believe that there is no god (or gods for that matter) does not mean that you are incapable of being good.

I agree, though simple non-belief in a god isn't technically blasphemy. Blasphemy is when you go out of your way to profane the name of God.

Plenty of atheists are good, peaceful people. They don't do acts of good because there is someone watching their every move and they're required to do good if they want to live eternally with god, but simply because they want to do good. Isn't being good just for the sake of being good a greater good than a mandatory good that one must be if one wants eternal salvation? (that's a lot of goods lol)

This is true. I believe that anyone, religious or not, ought to be good because they believe it is the right thing. I think people who do good just because they are afraid of punishment or because "God said so" are doing it for the wrong reasons.

To finish this argument out, I'm going to challenge the theists with a thought: Why is stealing wrong? Most religious people would argue, "God tells us it is" But if God did not tell us to steal is wrong, would it still be wrong?

In other words, is stealing wrong because God says so, OR does God say stealing is wrong because it is. Almost all countries, religious or not, have a law against stealing. I think we would all agree that it is wrong.

SO, if stealing is inherently unethical, wouldn't a person who does not believe in God still be able to live an ethical life and decide that they do not want to steal because they would not like if someone else would steal from them.

I don't believe things are right or wrong because God says so. I believe they are right or wrong because that's the way things are. The things God tells us to do ought to be common sense; he didn't invent the rules. The universe was always that way; morality was always that way. He just tells us what they are in order for us to be happiest.

I like to think of it like a sports coach: he didn't invent the game, but he tells you the rules and the best way to play it, and he's there to help you if you need it.

[C_U_N_Hell]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Also, why do you expect atheists to take the side of "God" in an argument?

I do that a lot so that I can play "devil's advocate." It's a great way to learn and understand your beliefs or lack of beliefs. Same for theists; try and take an atheistic stance once in a while to gain some perspective.

[Storm]

Guys, he did specify "anti-atheists." I don't think he assumes all religious folk fall under that category.

[Charity]

Originally Posted by funkyhomedawg

Sorry this is so long, but I just kept typing. I think any person, religious or not could benefit a lot from post if you take the time to read it. I don't usually stick up for my atheist beliefs but let me try and clear up a few myths about atheism.

Just because you are an atheist, it does not mean you are an evil person. According to Christians, blasphemy is worst sin you can commit, but just because you believe that there is no god (or gods for that matter) does not mean that you are incapable of being good.

Plenty of atheists are good, peaceful people. They don't do acts of good because there is someone watching their every move and they're required to do good if they want to live eternally with god, but simply because they want to do good. Isn't being good just for the sake of being good a greater good than a mandatory good that one must be if one wants eternal salvation? (that's a lot of goods lol)

Almost every religion has one thing in common and that is that man is inherently evil. We always want to be selfish and are incapable unless the grace of god is bestowed upon us. In order to fight these evil acts, we must do the opposite and reverse the evil in this world. Most atheists will agree that people are inherently selfish and unethical. Even though we don't believe in God, we do agree that it is not right when people commit unethical acts on other humans and that we strive to live an ordinary, ethical lifestyle.

To finish this argument out, I'm going to challenge the theists with a thought: Why is stealing wrong? Most religious people would argue, "God tells us it is" But if God did not tell us to steal is wrong, would it still be wrong?

In other words, is stealing wrong because God says so, OR does God say stealing is wrong because it is. Almost all countries, religious or not, have a law against stealing. I think we would all agree that it is wrong.

SO, if stealing is inherently unethical, wouldn't a person who does not believe in God still be able to live an ethical life and decide that they do not want to steal because they would not like if someone else would steal from them.

WOW that was a lot longer than I planned.... haha

According to the Bible you are right about blasphemy but the main point (If you wish to read it is in the book of Mark 3:29-also in Mat 12:32) Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. Jesus uses this to identify to the fact that the teachers of the law attributed Jesus' healing to Satan's powers rather than to the Holy Spirit.

I believe most people are taught at an early age that stealing is morally wrong. I do have to agree that people do live a morally good life without religion.....
I am acquainted with many who do not claim any religion but do live their life in a way that would put a lot of religious folk to shame......for example, I would rather sit down for a good conversation with a known thief than a man of the cloth who uses his position to molest children or takes money for self gain while hiding behind his religion for cover......

[dust1n]

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[dust1n]

Welcome to the Forum btw, nice name.