While theists would have us believe they have a monopoly on morality and the only reason to behave morally, I find that in reality is the atheist who has the most logical reason to act morally.
The atheist who refrains from doing immoral acts in the world where he must live is informed by the same logic that tells him not to pee in the pool where he has to swim.
As a Christian, I knew that my salvation was set in stone. God would forgive me and what other people thought didn’t matter. After all they were persecuting me because of my faith, not my behavior. I had absolutely no bases for moral behavior.
As an atheist, I can’t psyche myself out that way. The world is disinterested and will not forgive me if I fuck up. But I don’t think about that. On any given day, in any interaction, my first thought is not what will happen to me if I do this, but will doing this make me a better person. If someone did this to me could they expect a positive response? If not, then why should I expect them to respond to me positively?
There are a lot of reasons for an atheist to be moral. I’m sure others can add to this list.
The atheist who refrains from doing immoral acts in the world where he must live is informed by the same logic that tells him not to pee in the pool where he has to swim.
As a Christian, I knew that my salvation was set in stone. God would forgive me and what other people thought didn’t matter. After all they were persecuting me because of my faith, not my behavior. I had absolutely no bases for moral behavior.
As an atheist, I can’t psyche myself out that way. The world is disinterested and will not forgive me if I fuck up. But I don’t think about that. On any given day, in any interaction, my first thought is not what will happen to me if I do this, but will doing this make me a better person. If someone did this to me could they expect a positive response? If not, then why should I expect them to respond to me positively?
There are a lot of reasons for an atheist to be moral. I’m sure others can add to this list.
The god who allows children to be raped out of respect for the free will choice of the rapist, but punishes gay men for engaging in mutually consensual sex couldn't possibly be responsible for an intelligently designed universe.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
I may defend your right to free speech, but i won't help you pass out flyers.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
--Voltaire
Nietzsche isn't dead. How do I know he lives? He lives in my mind.
