Philosophical Buddhist who is still an atheist

[Jeffonthenet]

I'm referring to general moral rules agreed upon by atheists and theists alike. It seems to me that both of us have transgressed seriously against these in negligence to the suffering of the third world. In truth, even if we do give a lot of our money to the third world starving, we hold on to petty material things which could save the lives of people by buying them food or vaccinations.

Why on earth would you think you have a moral obligation to help the third world countries?

I meant the starving people in them, not the country itself.

Why exactly would you imagine that holding on to the material possessions and enjoying them is immoral?

Holding on to them when they could save a life if you gave more of them away is immoral.

In fact, before you talk about the "general moral rules agreed upon by atheists and theists" - you better lay them down so that I can tell you why exactly they are bullshit. (And just me, by the way. I wouldn't be stupid enough to speak for other atheists).

Im thinking basic morality like it is wrong to hurt people because one enjoys it. If someone doesn't agree this moral rule I submit that there is something mentally wrong with them.

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I'm referring to general moral rules agreed upon by atheists and theists alike. It seems to me that both of us have transgressed seriously against these in negligence to the suffering of the third world.

Speak for yourself.

You are totally misunderstanding my point. I do actually give quite a bit.

In truth, even if we do give a lot of our money to the third world starving, we hold on to petty material things which could save the lives of people by buying them food or vaccinations.

If sending food and vaccinations would eradicate the problems faced in third world countries there would be no third world countries by now.


http://www.builderswithoutborders.org/

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There are lots of refugees in camps, for example, whose lives could be saved by better medical care care which could be provided if we donated more money.