No More Anti-Theists

[comet]

Yeah, like those. How about being nice because you've thought about good reasons to be nice? Because you value the present life more than one that exists in your imagination?

How is anti-theist a blanket statement? It simply means I'm against theism for its effects that I see as harmful - including the doing of good from ignorant motivations.

I think a lot of folks here see it the wrong way. Being "religiously motivated" to do good deeds is not necessarily about doing them for the sole purpose of being "rewarded" in Heaven or whatever. That would be simplistic and kind of counter productive anyway, since it's nothing but self serving and the whole point is selflessness and love. 

Growing up Catholic, I learned about the virtues of charity, generosity, forgiveness, honesty, etc etc, and I learned about having respect for and seeing the dignity in all people. Because all people (and all creation, really) are made by God and thus have inherent dignity and worth, no matter how small or insignificant they may appear. Those are the values that I was taught in my faith based upbringing, just like everyone (religious or not) grows up being taught certain values. 

I don't think I'd appreciate it all too much if one of my friends accused me of doing good things only because I'm trying to go to Heaven.

I am with ya girlie.  The bottom line is people are people.  Religion has some very good parts and needed parts.  If we take a bird's eye view of humans, anti religion is like anti democracy.  Neither are perfect but no need to go ballz crazy. the numbers just don't jive.  But many people that are emotionally connected to anti religion don't care anymore about facts than you would when I say Jesus never died and flew away.