atheism and children

[Pyrrho]

An instinctual desire to have sex is not the same as an instinctual desire to have children.  I am inclined to accept that the former is an instinctual desire, but I have seen no evidence that the latter is an instinctual desire.  It seems more related to socialization than instinct.

Yes, but isn't it true that most species with some exceptions have tendency to reproduce and search for compatible mates with said goal?

There is no reason to believe that animals have such goals.  You seem to be imagining that animals believe that sex is related to procreation, and we have absolutely no reason to believe that they make such a connection.  That they desire sex is clear enough, but what they intend to result from it is another matter entirely.

Also, something being an instinctual desire does not mean that it has no connection to morality.  For the example of sex, consider rape and cheating on someone when one has promised to be faithful.  Having an instinctual desire does not excuse all actions based on that desire.

I agree. But your argument depends what you consider as moral and becomes subjective.

Everyone who regards morality as subjective is going to take my comments about morality as being subjective.  For them to take it any other way, it would first be necessary to change their minds regarding the nature of morality.

However, the argument is based upon a principle that many people do accept.  The idea is that one ought not gamble with someone's life without their consent, unless it is not possible to avoid doing so.  Do you accept that principle or not?  If you say "no," how would you feel about someone making a decision affecting your life, without your consent?

In every era, time and culture I can find reasons to not have children. Ultimately people have children because they want to and because of societal pressure. As I said, my girlfriend wants to have 4 children and I accept the idea though I'd like to reduce the number down to 2 - It's probably her biggest dream since she was 6, she wants to be a mother - I like the idea of passing down my genes and generating offspring, it fascinates me. It is possible to be raised by a rich family and lack psychological and affectionate support, specially when parents spend too much time working, and it happens to some folks to be raised with a poor/very poor family that still works hard, day and night, to provide them with all that's necessary even if it means the parents lacking basic fulfillment.

The argument of "we don't know how life will be" is dependent on randomness and says nothing - It could be awesome, mild or horrible, we simply don't know - My life tomorrow could be all of those things, I could be hit by a truck, win the lottery or get an amazing job offer, I don't know, but I still wake up and live my day comfortably and rationally. 

That one does not know how the person's life will be means that one is gambling with someone's life when one creates the life in the first place.

That is irrelevant.  The decision is about whether or not to create a life, and the moral question is whether it is right to create a life or not.

I think it is morally neutral. Taking a life is immoral for many reasons. Creating one seems just neutral because it can happen for many reasons.

Just seeming neutral to you is no argument.