I’m new to this forum and primarily a lurker/voyeur. I’m not proficient at communicating in writing so this may not exactly get my point/idea across.

Quick background, 58 years old, conservative, atheist, not tied to any particular political position (politics on a case by case basis). Escaped the religious programming at age 13.  Employment has been in healthcare and healthcare fraud prevention. Retired at age 54.

Back to the question, what is/are your God(s)? I don’t really want to hear from the deists, I know all I care to about that delusion.

Here is why I ask. Over the years I have had many motivating factors and influences in my life including money (but not greed), security, mind altering chemicals (product of the 60’s and 70’s), sex, …, and in certain aspects they were my Gods, they motivated me and affected my behavior. I could name more but I want to get this going.

I’d like to hear from the non deists/non theists. What are the motivating/driving forces in your existence? What factors direct the majority of your behavior or directs your life? Is it money, security, pleasure, drugs, sex, technology, society, altruism…..? For some of you are you your own God (what’s best is what’s best for you mind set)?

Looking forward to responses and thought provoking lurking

video games

Hiya, nice to hear from you

My motivations are to help others where I can, try to improve quality of life for people and animals, minimise the harm I do and to try and enjoy myself.

No gods.

Are you being serious? I refuse to call some random aspects of my life which I happen to deem important "Gods". That only provides fodder for the funny apologists who are all too eager to point out that atheists are no better than they because the just have different Gods. The name God comes with so much nonsensical baggage that I im strongly in favor of not using it for anything but objects of religious faith.

Regarding the question in the title of your thread, that is a question for psychology to answer.

Regarding what are the motivating factors in my life, I have clues but don't care to comment.

I agree with Alex, nothing in my life is a god, the things that are important to me, are what they are and do what they do.

Frequent, metronomic, flawless, powerful, intense, expertly-delivered, finely tuned masturbation.

..."gods"?
Money and curiosity may be motivating factors but that doesn't imply devotion to Lakshmi or Ganesh...

(June 21, 2015 at 11:57 am)Iroscato Wrote: Frequent, metronomic, flawless, powerful, intense, expertly-delivered, finely tuned masturbation.

So I guess you have one of these standing on your bedside table? What's your favourite setting?

Please refer to my avatar