Morality and religion

So recently a study came out that found that Christians distrust atheists even more than rapists. link [www.christiantoday.com]

From my conversations with Christians, the reason for distrusting atheists is because they feel that atheists have no guide telling them right from wrong, and no fear of consequences if they do wrong.

Here's my question: doesn't this imply that Christians believe about themselves that the only reason they stay in line is out of fear of God's revenge? What does this say about their faith in their own ability to be moral people? They say that a person's character is best judged when that person thinks no one's watching. But Christians feel that god is *always* watching. Atheists feel that God is *never* watching, and yet studies have shown that more secular societies have lower rates of violence and crime. It could be argued that if one's motivation is always external, one would never learn to develop an internal moral system. So Christians are just projecting their own lack of an inner moral compass onto Atheists? Who really should be the ones to be distrusted?

Hoooaaaaaahhhh! Outstanding post.

Something I've often thought, but never put it that well.

And, btw, atheists are one of only two philosophies with a rational belief about the existence of God.

Thanks!

What's the second one in your opinion?

Nice post, and a fair question. But I predict the point of the question will be quickly lost.

Again I ask the question, are they really Christians, or do they simply call themselves Christian but not live by the faith?

No true Christian has any reason to fear judgement. There are only two options. Be faithful, or cease to exist. No suffering, no Hell of eternal torment. The God who I know and love, and the Christ knows and loves, the God of the bible, would never countenance such a thing. It would never come into His heart. He wants any who will to serve Him out of love, as I do, not out of terror.

As for are they projecting their own lack of moral compass onto Atheists, I cannot say.

My moral compass is the bible, simple as that. There is none better, nor more loving to all of mankind.

I said above be faithful or cease to exist. Is that kind and loving? well it certainly is to those who want to live in peace and harmony without being disturbed but those who are only interested in seeing things their way.

Hmm...I'm going to tackle this from the Christian standpoint, I think. I don't distrust atheists and I don't think that they have no guide or moral compass, so I don't quite fit into that demographic.


The difference that I see is that a Christian's standards are (supposed to be) set. Not necessarily black and white, but stable. An atheist (although I see no reason to narrow this down only to atheists) is flexible. Their moral compass will change when their mind changes...maybe - maybe not.

Doesn't this imply that Christians believe about themselves that the only reason they stay in line is out of fear of God's revenge?

It sounds that way, but I don't think it feels that way. I feel that I stay in line because that's what I should do.

What does this say about their faith in their own ability to be moral people?

I think the issue there is that they want to make sure they use God's morals. They want to make sure they are in line with His...not the wavering and changing ones that we would make up ourselves.

So Christians are just projecting their own lack of an inner moral compass onto Atheists?

That's one way to see it. I would liken it to me suddenly realizing that I'd been walking around with my pants on backwards and then realizing that most people are and don't know it.

Who really should be the ones to be distrusted?

I would base that off of each individual. "Christians" are pretty hard to lump into a group. They have basic things in common but they come in all shapes and sizes.

The only rational belief is that God does exist, and that He is the God and Father of Jesus Christ and all who choose to follow him.

It is the only thing that fits available evidence.

Still, the end of the existance of your soul as a consequence of bad behavior is a punishment by God, and an external motivator. My point still stands.

Deism or a belief in a laissez faire God. 50/50




No sooner said than done. Speak of the Devil and his angels shall appear.

Is it? I suppose so, but the only motivation it gives is to those who wish to take advantage of the life the kingdom offers and such people will serve God out of love anyway. Any who don't want to live like that would only be unhappy in such a paradise so oblivion is actually a kind option.

It's only really a case of carrot, there is no stick apart I suppose from the fact that there will soon be no other options open. Certainly not much of a stick. The carrot, however, is amazingly good.

ok, so it was an obvious statement and I get no points for precognitive abilities.

Well, if they didn't I'd have no-one to debate with.

I didn't think it was all that long, lol.

You are still referencing externally MCB.